A Community Victory Against Harmful ICE Partnerships

Once again, the Wicomico Coalition demonstrated the true power of showing up and speaking out against all forms of discrimination toward our immigrant community.

On November 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM, we gathered outside the Wicomico County Government Building with banners and signs expressing our opposition to the 287(g) agreement in Wicomico County. We raised our voices together, shouting: “No 287(g)! No hate! No fear! Immigrants are welcome here! Vote no on 287(g)!”

One of the County Council members—who strongly opposes 287(g)—spoke in support of our movement, commending our courage and assuring us that our efforts would be rewarded that night.

After the rally, we entered the government building to attend the County Council meeting. The chamber was so full that many of us had to remain in the hallway, waiting for the public comment period and the main agenda item—287(g).

During the meeting, an attorney from the Department of Law gave a presentation on the agreement. Council members raised questions that revealed uncertainty about whether the Council or the County Executive had the legal authority to approve it. They discussed issues such as the understaffing of the Sheriff’s Office, the financial impact, and the lack of clear information regarding the process. The County Attorney argued that ICE requires a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with both the Sheriff’s Office and the County, not just the Executive.

As a result of this legal disagreement, the Council could not move forward—they need Council action before any approval can proceed. That moment was a victory for us.

Even though the City of Salisbury, the Sheriff, and the County Executive have expressed a strong desire to collaborate with ICE, we—the people—stood united to defend our immigrant community.

Our effort made an impact that night, but the fight is not over. We must continue working for a community free from racial and ethnic profiling, family separation, hatred, and division. Together, we protect our neighbors. Together, we build a stronger Wicomico.

To get involved, contact Jean-Frandy Philogene at jphilogene@cata-farmworkers.org or Leila Borrero Krouse at lborrerokrouse@cata-farmworkers.org.

You can also support our work by donating to CATA and helping us defend immigrant rights.