A new poll conducted by Gonzales Research & Media in Annapolis, Maryland, reveals that a significant majority of Maryland residents support local authorities working with federal immigration enforcement agencies to deport illegal migrants. The survey, which was conducted between December 27 and January 4, found that 76 percent of respondents favor requiring local police departments and state officials to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining and deporting illegal migrants, particularly those held in Maryland’s jails.
This strong support for ICE collaboration comes in spite of Maryland’s traditionally liberal political landscape and the state’s Democratic leadership, who have often championed pro-migration policies. The results offer a clear indication of a growing divide between the state’s leadership and the views of many of its residents on immigration enforcement.
While partisan divide was expected in the survey, with Republicans overwhelmingly in favor of the policy, the poll also revealed surprising levels of support among Democrats. Notably, 96 percent of Republicans expressed support for the requirement, 65 percent of Democrat respondents also backed the proposal, showing a significant shift in attitudes within the state’s traditionally liberal electorate. This bipartisan agreement reflects growing concerns over illegal immigration and its impact on local communities, especially in light of rising crime rates.
Independents also expressed strong support, with 77 percent agreeing that local authorities should cooperate with ICE. The broad support from across the political spectrum underscores the increasing frustration among Maryland residents regarding the perceived failure of local officials.
The poll results are particularly striking given Maryland’s current policies, which largely run counter to the public sentiment. Only three counties in Maryland—Carroll, Harford, and Worcester—currently honor ICE detainers, which are requests to hold individuals for ICE custody after they are arrested for a crime. The other 66 counties and Baltimore City have adopted sanctuary policies, limiting or refusing cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Maryland saw a rise in key crime categories in 2024, including rapes, robberies, and assaults. The state only saw crime rates drop in 18 of its 69 jurisdictions, suggesting that crime is a growing problem in many parts of the state.
The poll results are all the more surprising given Maryland’s overwhelming support for Joe Biden in the 2024 election, where President Trump lost the state by nearly 30 percentage points. Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, including his signature mass deportation promise, was a central part of his campaign. Despite his significant loss in the state, Trump’s immigration policies seem to have resonated with a large portion of Maryland’s electorate.
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But they’ll still vote for Dem wits.