The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the signing of emergency legislation prohibiting formal 287(g) agreements in Maryland, by Governor Wes Moore.
SEE: Maryland Gov. Moore signs bills into law ending law enforcement partnerships with ICE
Section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act has allowed local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal immigration authorities to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Civil rights advocates have long raised concerns that such agreements undermine trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, contribute to racial profiling, and make communities less safe.
The legislation was a priority bill for the Maryland Muslim Lobby Day, which took place last evening in the state capital of Annapolis.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland said:
“We welcome the signing of this critical legislation banning formal 287(g) agreements in Maryland. It’s important to give credit where due, and today’s action marks a significant victory that reflects years of tireless advocacy by a broad-based coalition led by CASA and courageous community members, faith leaders, and partners across our state who believe deeply in the dignity and safety of our immigrant communities.
“With this legislation signed into law, Maryland is choosing a path rooted in community trust. When local law enforcement is separated from federal immigration enforcement, families are more likely to report crimes, cooperate with investigations, and seek help without fear. That makes all of us safer. Today, Maryland turns a page affirming that public safety and immigrant dignity are interconnected.”
CAIR noted that Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities have often borne the brunt of discriminatory enforcement policies and fear-based rhetoric. The organization emphasized that meaningful public safety requires trust, accountability, and respect for civil rights – not policies that deter community members from engaging with local authorities.
The Maryland expressed appreciation to legislative leaders who advanced the bill and to grassroots advocates who organized, testified, and mobilized in support of the measure.
The organization is committed to working with partners to ensure implementation of the law and to advance policies that protect civil rights, strengthen communities, and promote equitable access to justice across Maryland.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com