Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has signed a new executive order that limits how city agencies interact with federal immigration enforcement, reinforcing policies designed to protect immigrant communities and ensure that local resources are not used to assist federal immigration operations unless required by law.
Executive Order Sets Clear Boundaries
The executive order, signed in early March, outlines how Baltimore departments should respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents seek assistance from city officials. It directs city agencies not to use local resources to support immigration enforcement activities unless legally obligated to do so.
The order also prohibits federal immigration authorities from using city property as staging areas for enforcement operations without authorization. In addition, city departments must create internal guidelines to ensure employees understand how to handle requests from federal immigration officers.
Mayor Scott said the order aims to provide clarity for city employees and strengthen trust between immigrant residents and local government. Officials say the directive ensures that Baltimore remains focused on public safety while protecting the rights of all residents.
Focus on Community Trust
City leaders say the policy is designed to ensure residents feel safe accessing essential services without fear that local government institutions will facilitate immigration enforcement. Advocates have long argued that cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities can discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or seeking help.
Supporters say measures like this help strengthen relationships between immigrant communities and local government. When residents feel secure interacting with police, health services, and other agencies, officials say communities are more likely to report crimes and participate in civic life.
The order does not prevent federal authorities from conducting immigration enforcement in Baltimore. ICE agents retain their federal authority, but the city will not actively assist those operations beyond what is legally required.
Broader Policy Context
The move comes amid ongoing national debates over how local governments should interact with federal immigration enforcement agencies. Several cities across the United States have adopted policies that limit cooperation with ICE in order to protect immigrant communities and clarify the role of local agencies.
Maryland has also seen increased discussion about immigration enforcement policies and how they affect trust between law enforcement and immigrant residents.
Looking Ahead
Baltimore officials say the executive order is intended to provide consistent guidance for city agencies and reaffirm the city’s commitment to protecting residents’ rights. As immigration policies continue to evolve nationally, local governments will likely continue shaping how enforcement actions affect communities.
For more updates on immigration enforcement policies and local government actions, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
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Resources
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/04/maryland-ice-ban-287g/
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