The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the Howard County Council’s passage of emergency legislation aimed at protecting immigrant families and preventing the establishment of privately operated immigration detention centers within the county.
SEE: Council passes 2 bills aimed at adding guidance for ICE action across Howard County
The Howard County Council approved Council Bill16-2026, which prohibits the permitting of privately owned buildings to operate as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in Howard County, and Council Bill 17-2026, which offers guidance for county workers regarding interacting with immigration enforcement agents and operations at county facilities or buildings,
CAIR applauds county leaders including County Executive Calvin Ball and Councilmember Liz Walsh for taking decisive action to uphold community safety, family unity, and fundamental civil rights.
“Howard County has taken an important and principled stand by affirming that immigrant families deserve dignity, safety, and stability,” said CAIR Maryland Advisory Board Member Bassant Kadry. “Privately operated detention centers have been widely criticized for their lack of oversight, documented human rights concerns, and harmful impact on families and communities. These bills reflect Howard County’s commitment to humane and responsible governance.”
The bills are scheduled to be signed into law today at the George Howard Building.
Community mosques and organizations including the Howard County Muslim Alliance, Dar Al Taqwa, Muslim Family Center and Tarbiyah Academy joined CAIR in submitting oral or written testimony in favor of the legislation. Students, interfaith leaders, and residents also voiced strong opposition, packing hearings this week citing the emotional, economic, and humanitarian harms associated with detention centers.
Earlier this week, CAIR welcomed the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of legislation prohibiting local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering or continuing cooperative enforcement agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program.
The legislation is a Muslim Lobby Day priority.
CAIR remains committed to working with local, state and federal leaders to ensure policies reflect fairness, constitutional protections, and respect for the diverse communities that call Maryland home.
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