Md. Bill Would Bar ICE Officers Hired During Trump’s Second Term From State Law Enforcement Jobs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A bill set to be introduced in the Maryland General Assembly would prohibit certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from holding law enforcement positions within Maryland state government.

The proposal, known as the ICE Breaker Act of 2026, would bar ICE officers who joined the agency on or after Jan. 20, 2025—the start of President Donald Trump’s second term—from being hired into state law enforcement roles. The restriction would not apply to ICE personnel hired before that date.

The bill is sponsored by Delegate Adrian Boafo, a Democrat representing Prince George’s County. Boafo said the measure is aimed at ensuring Maryland maintains clear boundaries between state policing and federal immigration enforcement.

According to Boafo, the state has limited authority over federal agencies like ICE, but it does have control over who is eligible to serve in Maryland law enforcement positions. He said the legislation is a response to concerns raised by constituents who oppose ICE’s enforcement practices under the current administration.

Boafo said he drafted the bill before the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, allegedly involving an ICE officer, but acknowledged that the incident has intensified public concern and underscored broader issues related to federal immigration enforcement.

The legislation would not strip anyone of current employment, nor would it prevent affected ICE officers from holding non-law-enforcement jobs within state government. Instead, it would create a permanent hiring restriction for future state law enforcement roles.

Supporters of the bill argue it is a public safety and accountability measure designed to preserve trust between Maryland residents and state law enforcement. Critics, however, are expected to argue that the proposal unfairly targets a specific group of federal employees and could face legal challenges if enacted.

The ICE Breaker Act of 2026 is expected to be debated during the current legislative session as Maryland lawmakers consider a slate of immigration-related proposals amid heightened national tensions surrounding ICE operations.