The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Maryland, accusing the state of actively obstructing federal immigration enforcement through its sanctuary policies. The suit centers on Maryland's Community Trust Act, which the DOJ contends deliberately thwarts immigration-related arrests and deportations, thereby jeopardizing public safety.
The federal lawsuit, lodged in Maryland federal court, follows an order from the U.S. Attorney General in February 2025 for the DOJ's civil division to identify state and local policies that shield undocumented immigrants. This action against Maryland is the 21st such lawsuit filed by the department, with previous actions targeting states like Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York.
Associate U.S. Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated that federal immigration officers enforce laws passed by Congress and that the DOJ will not tolerate such actions from state leaders. The DOJ argues that the Community Trust Act violates the supremacy clause of the Constitution, asserting that state laws must align with federal law.
DOJ lawyers claim the Community Trust Act has led to a lack of cooperation from local authorities with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration officers. They cite an instance on May 29, 2026, where a warden at a Worcester County Jail reportedly refused to honor an ICE detainer and release an individual into federal custody, directly attributing this refusal to the Community Trust Act. The law, as written, states that Maryland correctional facilities may not transfer individuals into federal custody without a "valid judicial warrant," while the DOJ maintains that immigration law permits arrests via administrative warrants as well.
Many local law enforcement officials in Maryland share the federal government's concerns. In late May, 17 of the state's 24 sheriffs filed their own lawsuit against Maryland, arguing that the Community Trust Act impedes their ability to coordinate with ICE regarding individuals in custody who may pose public safety risks. According to a statement from the sheriffs, Maryland Governor Wes Moore acknowledged during a phone call that the legislation could have unintended public safety consequences. Moore, who did not sign the bill into law but allowed it to pass without veto, confirmed the call and explained his decision, according to his office.
Governor Moore's office has stated that the Community Trust Act allows for coordination with federal immigration officers concerning individuals convicted of serious crimes. However, the office also issued a statement criticizing former President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement approach, asserting that Maryland will cooperate with the federal government when it enhances safety but will not allow federal agents to deputize local law enforcement for immigration duties.
The office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, named in both the federal and sheriffs' lawsuits, declined to comment on the DOJ's legal action.