Trump Administration Sues Maryland Over Immigration Protection Law
The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Maryland on Thursday, contending that the newly enacted Community Trust Act obstructs federal efforts to enforce immigration laws and address illegal immigration. This legal action was initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, seeking the invalidation of the law, which received overwhelming support from Maryland’s General Assembly earlier this year.
The 26-page complaint asserts that the Community Trust Act restricts local law enforcement’s ability to work with federal immigration officials, mandating stricter criteria when federal authorities request local sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants. According to the filing, “The Maryland law’s challenge provisions reflect an effort to undermine the administration of federal immigration law” and inhibit vital communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies necessary for enforcing immigration laws effectively.
The lawsuit frequently likens the Community Trust Act to the Sanctuary Cities Act, contending that the Maryland legislation infringes upon the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. This clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state and local statutes. Alongside the state, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, a Democrat, has also been named as a defendant in the suit. Brown’s office opted not to offer comments regarding the lawsuit on Thursday.
In a statement regarding the lawsuit, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Stanley Woodward condemned what he referred to as the “sanctuary policy,” claiming it disregards the preferences of the electorate. He emphasized that the Justice Department is committed to addressing what it perceives as lawlessness by state leaders supportive of such policies.
In recent weeks, Brown’s office circulated updated guidelines on the Community Trust Act intended for local and state law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. The guidance underscored that immigration enforcement is fundamentally a federal responsibility, indicating that local law enforcement agencies are not obligated to assist federal initiatives. Local authorities may collaborate with federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under specific circumstances, particularly during criminal investigations involving joint task forces.
Originally introduced by Senator Clarence Lamb, a Democrat representing Anne Arundel and Howard counties, the Community Trust Act was designed to abolish the practice of local jailers detaining immigrants based solely on administrative warrants issued by ICE. Under this law, local law enforcement is only mandated to act upon judicial warrants from ICE. This legislation is seen as a vital follow-up to emergency measures authorized in February that prohibit the implementation of 287(g) agreements, which formalize collaborations between ICE and local law enforcement agencies.
Concerns voiced by immigration advocates prompted the passing of the Community Trust Act, particularly given that eight of the nine Maryland counties that previously operated under 287(g) agreements relinquished these arrangements. Governor Wes Moore, also a Democrat, allowed the law to pass into effect without his signature, noting within the legislation that it could present implementation challenges necessitating further dialogue during the 2027 legislative session. Despite the lawsuits, including a challenge from several Maryland sheriffs, Governor Moore’s administration plans to collaborate with federal entities where it aligns with public safety, according to a spokesperson.
In the backdrop of these developments, a majority of Maryland sheriffs filed a related challenge to the Community Trust Act on May 26, represented by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group advocating for immigration restrictions. This lawsuit names the state and its high-ranking officials, including Attorney General Brown and Governor Moore, as defendants. Meanwhile, Maryland House Republicans have reiterated concerns, warning that the push towards a sanctuary state could lead to federal action. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel remarked that the Democratic leadership’s approach poses risks to public safety and calls for a return to reasonable cooperation between state and federal authorities.
