Concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Talbot County figured prominently in discussions before the Police Accountability Board (PAB) during 2025, according to the board’s newly released annual report. Board members said residents—particularly within the Hispanic community—have expressed fear and confusion about recent ICE actions and have asked repeatedly about their rights and the role, if any, of local police.
Local law enforcement leaders told the board that Maryland law sharply limits cooperation with ICE. Police agencies may assist only when federal agents present a valid judicial arrest warrant. Officers do not ask about immigration status when responding to calls for help, and police stressed that residents should not avoid contacting authorities out of fear that doing so could trigger immigration consequences.
At the same time, police acknowledged that individuals already in custody may be held if a federal detainer has been issued, a long-standing practice that allows ICE to assume custody after local charges are resolved. Law enforcement officials noted that ICE does not routinely inform local agencies of enforcement actions, a lack of communication that has made it harder to counter rumors and reassure anxious residents.
The report also documents a decline in participation by Hispanic residents at public events, which police attribute to heightened fear of immigration enforcement. In response, the Easton Police Department has visited Hispanic churches and worked with community groups to explain state law, outline available resources, and emphasize that local police are focused on public safety—not immigration enforcement. Police have also said they are willing to verify the identity of individuals believed to be ICE agents when residents are unsure.
While federal immigration enforcement falls outside the PAB’s authority, board members said the issue underscores the fragile nature of public trust. The report stresses that clear boundaries between local policing and federal immigration actions are essential to community safety, particularly if residents are to feel secure reporting crimes, seeking help, and engaging with law enforcement without fear.
Read the full report here.
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