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Courtesy of CBS

 CBS News

SALISBURY, Md. - Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano has announced the county has officially joined a 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

The announcement was made in a press release alongside Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis on Friday, Jan. 23. The sheriff’s office is not involved in the agreement, according to officials.

"Looking the other way does not make our community stronger, refusing to act does not make us compassionate, it makes us negligent," said Giordano. "That is why I'm proud to announce that my administration has committed to entering into the 287(g) program." 

Giordano announced the agreement is a Warrant Service Officer model, allowing ICE to train, certify, and authorize state and local police to serve and execute administrative immigration warrants on those already in jail.

According to Giordano, the agreement is effective immediately, though it is currently listed as pending on ICE's website as of Friday afternoon.

"This is about targeting dangerous offenders, it is about repeat criminals. It is about those who victimize our residents and undermine public safety," said Giordano. "It is not about families, it is not about hardworking neighbors, it is not about people who are simply trying to live their lives peacefully and contribute to our community."

That mindset, however, is receiving pushback. In a statement to WBOC, the Wicomico County NAACP said "public safety is built on trust, not fear mongering."

The NAACP's full statement can be read below: 

The NAACP stands for justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity. However County executive Giordano and Sheriff Lewis's decision to enter Wicomico into a 287(g) agreement while Maryland is moving toward banning these partnerships, is contrary to those beliefs.
 
Yesterday, residents and organizations, including Wicomico County NAACP, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of ending 287(g). Countless families have been harmed, trust has been broken, and lives have been lost. Right here in Salisbury, a mother was taken from her dying son. She was not allowed to be at his side as he died. Then there's the killing of Renée Nicole Good.
 
Let's be real, public safety is built on trust, not fear mongering. It's also no place for political posturing.  We're calling for voters to take note. Civic engagement matters. Voting with conscience matters. Your voice matters. Our communities deserve leadership that governs with humanity. Vote but also consider running for office. We'll see you at the polls!
 
Wicomico County Councilmember Josh Hastings also weighed in. 
 
"ICE’s actions have destroyed trust here on Delmarva. Frankly, ICE’s credibility could not be lower. As Wicomico County enters into a 287(g) agreement, we primarily need to ensure that there is transparency, that county taxpayers don’t absorb federal costs, and that ICE doesn’t drag Wicomico’s good name through the mud," said Hastings. 

Wicomico County officials have been considering an agreement with ICE for months, though a memo issued by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown led the county to temporarily step away from those plans. Giordano says that because the 287(g) is between ICE and the county itself, instead of Wicomico law enforcement, the new agreement falls in line with the Attorney General's guidance.

The agreement between Wicomico County and ICE is the first of its kind on Delmarva.

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Digital Content Producer

Sean joined WBOC as Digital Content Producer in February 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with bachelor’s degrees in East Asian Studies and Religion. He has lived in New York, California, and Virginia before he and his wife finally found a place to permanently call home in Maryland. With family in Laurel, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Captain’s Cove, Sean has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is thrilled to be working at WBOC serving the community.

Video Journalist

Kyle Orens has been a video journalist with WBOC since September of 2022. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he promptly returned to his hometown state of Maryland and now covers stories in Worcester County. You can see him all over the peninsula though, and whether he's working or out adventuring with his dog Bridger, always feel free to say hello.

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