CUMBERLAND – January 29, 2026

Senator Mike McKay stood up against two bills pushed by Annapolis Democrats today that would strip decision-making power away from local elected officials in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.

SB 245 would ban local governments from partnering with federal immigration enforcement—taking that choice away from sheriffs, county commissioners, and local officials who know their communities best. SB 1 would dictate how federal law enforcement officers can operate while on duty in Maryland, raising serious constitutional concerns.

“Annapolis Democrats want to tie the hands of local sheriffs and elected officials across Western Maryland,” said Senator McKay. “These are one-size-fits-all mandates from politicians in Baltimore and Annapolis who think they know better than the people we elect right here at home. That’s not how this should work.”

McKay opposed both bills on the Senate floor, where he and Senate Republicans forced Democrats to defend legislation driven by political messaging rather than public safety. McKay argued that SB 245 removes local control and creates more confusion for law enforcement officers trying to keep communities safe.

“Local leaders are closest to their communities. They’re the ones who should decide whether these partnerships make sense—not bureaucrats in Annapolis,” McKay added. “This is about local control. Democrats chose ideology over common sense, and Western Maryland will pay the price.”

McKay also raised constitutional concerns with both bills, warning that attempts to control federal law enforcement operations violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could expose Maryland to costly legal challenges.

Senate Republicans offered amendments to preserve local authority and address constitutional problems, but Democrats rejected all of them. Both bills are expected to receive final votes early next week.

“I’m not going to stand by while Annapolis strips power away from locally elected officials in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties,” McKay said. “Western Maryland deserves better than fear-based politics and top-down mandates.”

Stay up to date on Senator McKay’s fight for Western Maryland—sign up for his District Newsletter at MikeMcKayMD.com/#newsletter.