From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers:
This week Governor Wes Moore signed SB245/HB444 into law, eliminating the 287(g) agreement previously in place between the Garrett County Sheriff's Office and our agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As clearly stated in Governor Moore's letter to local leaders-specifically bullet point 3-this change does not eliminate or hinder our ability to communicate with ICE regarding the impending release of individuals of interest.
As your elected Sheriff, I have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Garrett County. In response to the legislative change, I have established internal guidelines within our Detention Center to ensure we continue to coordinate with ICE as appropriate when situations involving individuals of interest arise.
Public safety remains my highest priority, and this change in law will not deter us fulfilling our duty to protect our community.
Respectfully, Sheriff Bryson Meyers.