Public Safety Committee to Hold Hearing on Private Detention Center Ban Today

City Leaders Confront Immigration Enforcement and Private Detention

The Baltimore City Council’s Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss a high-profile legislative proposal aimed at banning private detention centers within city limits. The hearing, which will be held in the Du Burns Council Chamber at City Hall with virtual access, focuses on Bill 26-0144, officially titled "Baltimore City Policies and Procedures - Safe Spaces and Communities."

The legislation was introduced by Councilmembers Odette Ramos, Paris Gray, and Mark Parker, and carries the strong support of Council President Zeke Cohen. If passed, the bill would prohibit the establishment of any private detention facilities on Baltimore soil. Furthermore, it mandates that city agencies develop a comprehensive plan to limit federal immigration enforcement activities within city-owned or operated spaces, including schools, libraries, and public parks.

Protecting Civil Rights in Local Jurisdictions

Council President Zeke Cohen emphasized that while the city cannot dictate federal policy in Washington, D.C., local leaders have a responsibility to protect their neighbors. In a statement regarding the bill, Cohen noted that the majority of immigrants detained in the United States are held in facilities run by private corporations, a practice the city intends to block locally. Councilmember Ramos described the current climate of federal enforcement as a "moral crisis" that has left many immigrant families in Baltimore living in fear.

Today’s hearing allows for public testimony as the committee weighs the legal and social impacts of the bill. Proponents argue that the measure is necessary for maintaining public trust and ensuring that essential city services remain accessible to all residents regardless of their immigration status.

Additional Government Activity and Regional Sessions

While the Public Safety Committee addresses detention policies, Mayor Brandon Scott continues to focus on labor and workforce issues. Earlier this week, the Mayor signed a landmark bill into law that raises wages and improves benefits for approximately 4,500 security guard workers across the city. The new law ensures these workers, who serve at hospitals, schools, and city offices, receive compensation that matches the federal standard or the average wage in large commercial buildings.

Beyond City Hall, Baltimore County is also hosting sessions today. The County Council has scheduled the following:

• A public hearing at 3:00 p.m. regarding the Chesapeake Park Re-Subdivision.
• A legislative work session starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.

Residents interested in the City Council's public safety hearing can join via the city's Webex platform or attend in person at City Hall. The committee is expected to vote on whether to move the bill forward to the full council in the coming weeks.