Governor Wes Moore to Authorize Community Trust Act
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is set to authorize significant legislation aimed at upholding the constitutional rights of residents by prohibiting correctional facility personnel from inquiring about an individual’s citizenship or immigration status. This measure will go into effect without his signature.
In a statement released on Friday, Moore emphasized the importance of the Community Trust Act. He described it as key to safeguarding Marylanders’ constitutional rights, while allowing local law enforcement to concentrate on initiatives that have successfully reduced violent crime rates in the state. However, he flagged potential implementation challenges that would require executive action and attention from next year’s Congress.
New Restrictions on Correctional Facility Personnel
Passed on the last legislative day of the 2026 session, the Community Trust Act bars state and local correctional officials from questioning an individual’s citizenship or place of birth. Under the new law, individuals held in these facilities cannot be detained or transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless a valid judicial warrant is presented. Moreover, state and local correctional employees are prohibited from sharing information with ICE, and federal immigration agents will be restricted from accessing non-public areas of the facilities.
Communication Guidelines with ICE
The legislation allows for communication with ICE in specific scenarios. If an individual has a felony conviction under Maryland law, is included on the state’s sex offender registry, or is serving a lengthy prison sentence, ICE can be informed. This provision aims to balance immigration enforcement with community safety concerns.
Opposition from Republican Legislators
The proposed legislation has faced staunch opposition from Republican legislators, who argue that it hampers the state’s capacity to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies and could lead to an increased presence of federal agents in Maryland communities. In a post on X, Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready asserted that Governor Moore’s hesitance to sign the bill signals a reckless disregard for law enforcement in the state.
Support from Democratic Leaders
Democratic leaders, including Senate President Bill Ferguson, have defended the Community Trust Act as a needed measure to protect public safety without infringing on individual rights. Ferguson stated that the law enables local police to remain focused on crime reduction—particularly significant in light of declining violent crime rates in Baltimore. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk expressed approval for the act, noting its reinforcement of a previous law that restricts local police from cooperating with ICE.
Shifts in Immigration Enforcement Policy
The Community Trust Act is part of a broader legislative trend aimed at curtailing aggressive ICE enforcement actions that have surged since the Trump administration. Earlier in the year, Maryland passed legislation that prevents local law enforcement from entering into agreements with ICE that could jeopardize immigrant community trust. This latest act builds upon those protections and seeks to close existing loopholes.
Advocacy and Future Coordination Efforts
George Escobar, executive director of We Are Casa, an immigrant rights organization, praised Moore’s decision as a major victory for immigrant families in Maryland. He highlighted the relentless efforts of advocates who mobilized to champion these protections. Meanwhile, Governor Moore anticipates open channels of communication between law enforcement agencies. His administration is also seeking clarity from the Attorney General’s office on joint investigative processes involving federal and state law enforcement.
Moore reiterated the need for local law enforcement to operate within legal boundaries while maintaining the flexibility necessary to ensure community safety. He looks forward to collaborating with various stakeholders, including law enforcement leaders and congressional representatives, to navigate these complexities effectively.
