Just weeks after ICE slammed Howard County over a rape suspectβs release, federal immigration officials are now meeting privately with County Executive Calvin Ball and council members. The talks follow intense scrutiny of the Liberty ActβHowardβs landmark βsanctuaryβ law voters upheld in 2022. Itβs the latest flashpoint in an ongoing federalβlocal standoff.
Voters upheld the law in 2022, but ICE officials argue it puts public safety and federal funding at risk. County leaders maintain the law doesnβt block federal agents and say ICE hasnβt provided any legal proof to override it.