Although the County Executive recently stated that she's going to delay entering into a 287(g) agreement until after next year's state legislative session, she may be seeking other means to assist ICE with serving immigration warrants. Former County Council Attorney, Bob Taylor, walks us through alternative arrangements with ICE that the Executive may be able to implement unilaterally. But several questions come to mind. Will taxpayers be protected against civil liabilities and costs? Will the MD legislature soon be passing laws to prohibit any direct cooperation with ICE, thus nullifying any agreements made? After taking us down several dead ends, is the Executive about to change course once again, and if so, will she (uncharacteristically) face the public and be transparent about her plans? Will the Executive conduct the appropriate due diligence before making any future agreements with ICE as she failed to do with the program she recently abandoned? But here's the big question: Is the Executive presently cooperating with ICE without a formal agreement or the public's knowledge? Better keep your seat belts fastened folks, because this ride ain't nearly over.
