WICOMICO COUNTY, MD — Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano and members of her administration have been personally invited by the office of Jim Jordan, Chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, to attend a congressional markup hearing in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The invitation follows County Executive Giordano’s public stance on illegal immigration enforcement and her formal testimony before the Maryland General Assembly in opposition to Maryland Senate Bill 245 and Maryland House Bill 444. Both bills restrict local participation in certain federal immigration enforcement agreements.
County Executive Giordano has consistently advocated for local government authority to cooperate with federal partners on public safety initiatives, including participation in federal immigration enforcement programs. Her testimony in Annapolis emphasized local control, public safety priorities, and the operational realities faced by county law enforcement agencies.
“It is an honor to be invited to Washington to observe this important federal discussion,” said County Executive Giordano. “Wicomico County has taken a clear position that public safety decisions should be guided by local data, local accountability, and the needs of our residents — not political pressure from Annapolis. I appreciate Chairman Jordan and his team for recognizing the importance of the local government perspective in this national conversation.”
The March 5 markup hearing will focus on federal immigration enforcement policy matters currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. The invitation underscores the national attention surrounding Maryland’s recent legislation and the broader debate over the role of local governments in federal immigration cooperation.
Wicomico County’s administration has maintained that its participation in federal partnerships was lawful, measured, and focused on individuals already within the correctional system. County officials have also expressed concern that statewide prohibitions limit local flexibility in addressing public safety needs.
Executive Giordano and her team will attend the hearing in Washington, D.C., and will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize community safety and respect the authority of local governments.
The Executive will be available to meet with the press after the conclusion of the hearing. Interested parties may call Steven Lakin at 443-667-4308.