Bills to limit ICE impact introduced in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Council is considering actions minimizing the local impact of immigration enforcement, introducing several bills and resolutions Tuesday aimed at cracking down on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and making the county safer for immigrants.

“ICE and their terrorist tactics have no place in Prince George’s County,” Council Chair Krystal Oriadha said.

Some councilmembers shared stories about the fear that immigration enforcement has created in the county.

“I heard of a boy, a young boy, and his mother. He loves to play soccer. His mother won’t let him go outside to play soccer, and it’s because of the fear that’s endemic throughout our community,” Councilman Eric Olson said.

“People are scared to live their daily lives here because of ICE, and it is not fair,” Councilwoman Wala Blegay said.

The bills would have Prince George’s County police verify the identity and authority of those engaging in immigration enforcement when a resident calls 911 and offer resources to those on scene.

Oriadha said she had spoken directly to the chief of police about the bill.

“So, there is a moral responsibility for the people that have training that get a badge to show up in uncomfortable situations, and what I find absurd is the reality that you’re putting that responsibility on civilians,” Oriadha said. “It’s shameful.”

Other bills would ban officers from wearing masks in most situations and ban those who joined ICE after June 2025 from working in county government.

“If you want to work for an armed militia or work in support of an armed militia, we don’t think you have the values that we want in county government,” Councilman Tom Dernoga said. “It’s as simple as that.”

The Council also wants to create a portal to track ICE detentions in the county.

Mohamed Alghali, whose mother was deported during a routine ICE check-in last year, supports the bills.

“These bills are about due process, they’re about dignity, they’re about preventing unnecessary family separation and they’re about making sure that what happened to my mother does not happen to another family here,” he said.

Prince George’s County police did not have a comment on the legislation. The Fraternal Order of Police told News4 the law requiring officers to get involved in immigration enforcement could create conflict and potentially create safety issues for both local and federal officers if it passes.

News4 reached out to ICE for comment but has not heard back.

Public hearings are next for the bills, which are emergency legislation that would take effect immediately if they pass.