If you work with immigrant clients—or are one yourself—you’ve probably heard about Maryland’s Values Act by now. It’s not just another bill with a feel-good name. It’s a law that actually changes how local law enforcement interacts with ICE, and it’s already shifting how immigration defense attorneys build their cases.
For firms like ours at The Lincoln Law Firm, this law opens up new avenues to protect clients from unjust detainers and surprise transfers. It’s also a reminder of how fast the landscape is changing—and why it’s critical to stay plugged in.
What the Values Act Actually Does
Passed in 2023, Maryland’s Values Act (HB 16) limits how much state and local law enforcement can collaborate with federal immigration enforcement. In particular, it targets 287(g) agreements—partnerships that deputize local police to act like immigration agents.
Under the Act:
- Law enforcement can’t detain individuals solely for immigration purposes.
- Police can’t notify ICE about release dates unless there’s a judicial warrant.
- Agencies must stop honoring ICE detainers unless there’s a clear legal requirement.
The law is clear: local cops aren’t federal agents. That distinction matters more than ever.
What It Means for Immigration Defense
If you’ve ever tried to defend a client who got pulled over for a busted tail light and then landed in ICE custody days later, you understand the stakes. Under 287(g), that kind of story wasn’t rare—it was routine.
Now, attorneys can build a stronger defense knowing:
- Clients have a better shot at avoiding unnecessary ICE contact after local arrests.
- There’s legal ground to challenge improper detainers and transfers.
- Local jails face legal limits on how they handle ICE requests.
This isn’t just procedural—it’s strategic. Knowing the law gives us more ways to keep clients in their communities and out of detention.
Shifting the Tone in Court
Before the Values Act, some judges and prosecutors assumed that anyone flagged by ICE must be dangerous or untrustworthy. Now, we can push back with more than just rhetoric. The law itself supports the argument that immigration status alone shouldn’t influence bail, sentencing, or probation outcomes.
This shift also means that motions to suppress evidence obtained through ICE coordination might hold more weight. It’s early days, but we’re already seeing glimpses of this in county courts across Maryland.
A Changing Landscape
Let’s not sugarcoat it—ICE still operates in Maryland. But this law creates a buffer. According to The Washington Post, jurisdictions with active 287(g) programs saw higher deportation rates for minor offenses like traffic violations. The Values Act disrupts that pipeline, giving families a bit more breathing room.
We’ve already worked with clients who, under the old rules, would’ve faced near-immediate ICE detention after a local arrest. Thanks to this new legislation, we’ve had more time to post bail, file motions, and actually mount a defense.
The Lincoln Law Firm’s Approach
At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re not just watching from the sidelines. We’re adjusting how we prep clients for potential law enforcement encounters, how we negotiate with prosecutors, and how we challenge unlawful holds.
We’re also educating clients about their rights under this law. Many still think a traffic stop means automatic deportation. It doesn’t—not anymore.
If you’re worried about how this impacts you or your family, or if you’ve been picked up by police and fear ICE is involved, reach out. Knowing your rights isn’t enough—you need someone who can defend them.
