Wicomico County Announces Intent to Move Forward with ICE Warrant Service Officer Model
WICOMICO COUNTY, MD - Wicomico County has announced its decision to proceed with the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) model. This program represents a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The initiative is designed to enhance public safety through specialized officer training.
The WSO program allows specially trained officers to serve and execute administrative immigration warrants. These warrants apply specifically to individuals already in county custody. The program establishes a structured partnership between local law enforcement and ICE.
Under this model, local law enforcement receives authority and training to cooperate in immigration-related cases. The partnership focuses on individuals in custody who are subject to immigration detainers.
County officials indicate this working relationship provides clear operational guidelines for handling immigration-related responsibilities at the local level.
The program ensures consistency, accountability, and proper oversight in immigration enforcement activities.
Both County Executive Julie Giordano and Sheriff Mike Lewis have expressed support for the initiative. They cite the program's importance to law enforcement operations and community protection.
"Public safety is our top responsibility," said County Executive Julie Giordano. "The Warrant Service Officer program provides our Sheriff's Office with the tools they need to address individuals already in custody who may pose a risk to our community at no additional cost to the county. I am proud to stand with Sheriff Lewis in supporting this model, which is built on accountability, collaboration, and a strong partnership with ICE."
Sheriff Mike Lewis emphasized the operational benefits for his department. "This program gives our deputies the ability to safely and lawfully carry out their duties while ensuring that Wicomico County remains a secure place to live, work, and raise a family," said Sheriff Lewis. "With the WSO model in partnership with ICE, we can better protect our citizens while upholding the rule of law."
The County Executive and Sheriff's Office will collaborate with ICE during the implementation phase. Training and procedures for the WSO model will be developed in the coming months. The program will operate at no additional cost to the county.
