Maryland sheriffs sue to block law limiting ICE cooperation

A coalition of sheriffs from 17 Maryland counties has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new state law that restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The suit, filed this week in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, names Governor Wes Moore, Attorney General Anthony Brown, and the state of Maryland as defendants.

The sheriffs argue the legislation, known as the Community Trust Act, creates an unconstitutional conflict by prohibiting state and local agencies from aiding federal immigration enforcement while federal law remains in effect. They contend the law jeopardizes public safety by limiting communication with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly regarding individuals in local custody accused or convicted of serious crimes.

The law prohibits local law enforcement from inquiring about a detainee’s immigration status, alerting ICE about suspected immigration violations, or transferring custody of individuals to ICE without a judicial warrant. It includes exceptions for convicted felons, registered offenders, or individuals who have served significant prison sentences. The legislation follows a separate...