Maryland Democrat pushes 'ICE Breaker Act' to ban federal agents from law enforcement jobs

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: A Maryland Democrat is pushing a controversial plan that would shut the door on law enforcement jobs for certain US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

State Del Adrian Boafo has proposed what is dubbed the “ICE Breaker Act of 2026.” If passed, it would prevent ICE agents from being hired into state or local police departments across Maryland.

The bill specifically targets ICE officers hired after President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, according to Fox45 News.

“This year, I introduced legislation to ensure ICE officers can never serve in any of Maryland’s police forces,” Boafo wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He argued the action is needed "because [ICE agents] are not trained, they are not qualified, and Marylanders deserve people who will protect them." 

Boafo said he'd introduce similar legislation in Congress.

What the 'ICE Breaker Act' would do

Under the proposed legislation, anyone who joined ICE after Trump’s return to the White House would be barred from serving as a police officer or law enforcement official within the Maryland State Government.

According to Boafo, the cutoff date is January 20, 2025, the day Trump was inaugurated.

The bill would not prevent ICE agents from working in other state government roles, but it would slam the brakes on any transition into law enforcement positions such as policing or corrections.

Boafo has framed the bill as a direct response to concerns he says he hears constantly from constituents.

Everywhere he goes in Maryland’s District 23 (which he represents), he is asked what is going to be done about ICE, Boafo told NBC4 Washington.

“There’s only so much the state can do, but you know what I could do? [...] Make sure that those ICE officers never have a job here in the state of Maryland," he said.

Working for any other industry in Maryland is alright, he added.

Bill targets ICE agents selectively

Boafo has repeatedly stressed that the legislation does not apply to all ICE agents, only those who chose to join after Trump returned to office.

He clarified that “anyone who joined ICE” before Trump was inaugurated in January 2025 is “not affected” by the bill.

“What we’re saying in Maryland is that any ICE officer, sworn agent who saw the horrific violence that’s been happening over the last year and said, ‘You know what, I want to join that work,’ we don’t want you to work at any point in time as police officers, law enforcement officers,” Boafo said.

He reiterated that point, drawing a bizarre line between pre- and post-inauguration hires.

“Anyone who joined ICE before the inauguration of Donald Trump, anyone who actually swore the oath to try and protect the border, and actually go after violent offenders is not affected,” Baofo said. “You are welcome to Maryland with open arms.”

Police groups, Republicans push back

The proposal quickly drew criticism from law enforcement advocates, including the National Police Association.

Betsy Smith, a spokesperson for the organization, blasted the bill and argued that it misrepresents how law enforcement hiring actually works. 

“It sounds as though this politician wants people to believe that an ICE agent can just come into their town and tomorrow be a patrol officer in their town… it’s simply ridiculous,” Smith remarked.

She also noted that local police departments already have “rigorous hiring process for local law enforcement."

Republicans, too, wasted no time firing back.

Maryland State Del Matt Morgan (R) responded to the announcement of the "ICE Breaker Act of 2026" by calling it an "unserious” and “stupid bill for the purpose of political pandering.”

Morgan also questioned the logic behind singling out ICE agents hired during Trump’s presidency and not others. “What about ICE agents hired under Biden or Obama?” he asked.

Whether Boafo's legislation will see the light of day as an act remains to be seen.