BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Recent amendments to Maryland’s state budget have sparked strong backlash from Republican lawmakers, who argue that these changes could threaten funding for local law enforcement agencies that adhere to the state’s immigration policies.
The amendment, approved by the Maryland Senate, stipulates that local agencies maintaining formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, may face funding cuts. This legislation mandates that funding will only be granted if the state Crime Prevention Policy Office terminates these agreements and ensures compliance with state laws.
Republican Representative Matt Morgan has labeled the decision as “utter hypocrisy,” recalling how Maryland Democrats previously engaged in legal battles against the federal government over similar funding issues. He pointed out that prominent figures, including Governor Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown, had sued the Trump administration multiple times regarding the withholding of funds, which was ruled unconstitutional. Now, he argues, the state appears to be employing similar tactics against its own counties.
Morgan cautioned that the proposed amendment could have grave financial repercussions for multiple jurisdictions, particularly Frederick, Carroll, Harford, and St. Mary’s counties. He highlighted that approximately $124 million in public safety funds could be at risk in his own district alone.
Local law enforcement officials are reportedly alarmed by the potential consequences of the amendment. Morgan stated, “It’s going to be a vast sum of money. This could effectively defund the police, in true Annapolis fashion,” emphasizing that the amendment appears designed to intimidate law enforcement into aligning with certain political agendas.
He also underscored the distinct role of Maryland’s sheriffs, who are elected officials and have constitutional powers, compared to appointed police chiefs. Morgan indicated that if sheriffs choose to challenge the state legally, they could have a strong case. “If the sheriff opts to file a legal complaint against the state, I think they are well-positioned. It could lead to a significant lawsuit,” he remarked.
In addition to discussing the amendments, Morgan raised concerns about the state’s overall fiscal health. He criticized the current budget for not adequately addressing what he described as a critical structural deficit. According to him, Maryland has shifted from a $5 billion surplus during former Governor Larry Hogan’s tenure to an anticipated $3 billion structural deficit next year.
“The governor has yet to publicly outline a strategy to address this deficit,” Morgan noted, suggesting that members of the Maryland Freedom Caucus are apprehensive about potential tax increases, including a possible hike in the state sales tax. State officials have not yet provided insights into how compliance with the proposed amendments will be evaluated or the number of jurisdictions that may be impacted.
