Immigration (Detention)

SB 984 prohibits Maryland state and local governments from approving private companies to operate immigration detention facilities in buildings unless the facility's use is explicitly permitted by local zoning laws. It defines an immigration detention facility as any building housing individuals in involuntary custody, including those with perimeter security, locked areas, or controlled access points. Private operators violating this law face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, and the Attorney General can enforce the law through court action. The bill also applies retroactively to existing agreements for facilities intended for immigration detention, regardless of prior permits or construction investments.

HB 1017 prohibits Maryland state or local governments from approving private entities to operate immigration detention facilities unless the facility’s use is explicitly permitted under applicable zoning laws. It defines such facilities as buildings housing individuals for immigration violations (including those with security features like perimeter fencing or locked areas), and clarifies that general "government/institutional" zoning does not cover them. Private operators violating this face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, and the Attorney General can enforce the law through court actions. The law applies retroactively to existing agreements for facilities intended for immigration detention, regardless of prior permits or investments.

HB 630 prohibits private entities from operating immigration detention facilities in buildings not originally designed and constructed for housing or detaining people. It specifically bans converting existing structures (like warehouses or offices) into detention centers. The bill also prevents state/local governments from entering agreements, providing funding, or approving zoning for such facilities operated by private entities. This directly affects private operators seeking to establish immigration detention centers and local governments considering facility partnerships.

HB 675 requires county police departments operating correctional facilities in Maryland to enter into federal immigration enforcement agreements by January 1, 2027 (with a possible one-time waiver to July 1, 2027). Non-compliant agencies must detain individuals for up to 48 hours and transfer them to federal authorities if requested, beginning July 1, 2027. If such an agency releases an individual who is later detained by federal authorities within five years, the agency must cover associated housing and court costs. The bill directly affects county law enforcement agencies with jails, establishing specific deadlines and financial penalties for non-compliance with federal immigration cooperation requirements.

HB 725 requires Maryland correctional facilities to provide federal immigration authorities with at least 48 hours' notice before releasing an individual, if requested by those authorities, and to transfer the individual to federal custody. This applies specifically to individuals in state or local correctional facilities who are subject to federal immigration enforcement requests. The bill mandates that transfers occur without extending the individual’s custody beyond their scheduled release date. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.