Politics
Maryland sheriffs challenge state sanctuary law limiting cooperation with ICE
A lawsuit led by 17 county sheriffs argues Maryland's Community Trust Act undermines public safety by restricting local coordination with federal immigration authorities.
The short version
- Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler testified to Congress regarding a multi-county lawsuit challenging Maryland's Community Trust Act.
- The state law restricts local police and corrections officials from asking about immigration status, holding individuals for civil immigration violations, or alerting ICE without a court order.
- Sheriffs argue the restrictions impede communication necessary for public safety, while state leadership maintains the policy allows police to focus on core crime reduction.
- The outcome of the legal challenge and potential legislative adjustments remain pending.
Key facts
- Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler of Harford County is leading a lawsuit on behalf of 17 of Maryland's 24 counties against the state government over its immigration policies.[Fox News]
- The Community Trust Act, authored by State Senator Clarence Lam, prohibits local law enforcement and state agents from inquiring about immigration status or detaining individuals over civil immigration violations.[Fox News]
- Under the law, local authorities cannot notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about detainees in their custody unless mandated by a court order.[Fox News]
- Governor Wes Moore allowed the Community Trust Act to take effect without his signature and previously signed a ban on 287(g) federal immigration agreements.[Fox News]
- Governor Moore has stated the law helps keep local law enforcement focused on reducing crime, while expressing some logistical concerns to be resolved later.[Fox News]