Sanctuary Label Dropped As Baltimore County Works With ICE

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County is no longer listed as a sanctuary jurisdiction after it signed an agreement to work with immigration officials. County officials say the agreement doesn't change any practices, but it formalizes existing procedures.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Friday that Baltimore County signed a memorandum of understanding with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The DOJ had listed Baltimore County as a sanctuary jurisdiction on Aug. 5, but County Executive Kathy Klausmeier (D) at the time called the designation a mistake. Baltimore County is the second jurisdiction nationally to be removed from the list.

"Despite restrictions from state leadership, Baltimore County has shown a willingness to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement," Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a press release. "This is a small step toward restoring public safety and we appreciate the county's commitment to updating its policies."

The memo says the Baltimore Field Office of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations will notify the Baltimore County Department of Corrections when a judge places a detainer on a person or issues a relevant warrant.

The Department of Corrections will, conversely, notify ICE when a person with a detainer is scheduled to be released from custody.

"There has been no change to County policies or practices," Dakarai Turner, a spokesperson for the county executive, told Patch in a Monday email. "The MOU simply puts in writing procedures developed in 2024 that ensure appropriate notice to the federal government when releasing detainees. Baltimore County continues to respect the constitutional rights of all residents while prioritizing public safety."

Baltimore County created a webpage with answers to frequently asked questions regarding the agreement that revoked the sanctuary designation.

"Inclusion on DOJ's list could risk significant federal funding, on which the County and constituents depend," the FAQ webpage says. "Signing the MOU ensures that the County avoids risks to federal funding that is used to provide needed services to Baltimore County residents."

The memo is not a 287(g) agreement with ICE. That means the county will not conduct any immigration enforcement itself. The county will only notify ICE of the aforementioned inmate releases.

Patch contacted ICE and the DOJ for comments. We will update this story if any reply. Notifications on the ICE and DOJ websites say their responses to reporters may be delayed because of the government shutdown.

To see the full agreement, click here.