Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler of Harford County, Maryland, has asserted that the state's sanctuary laws disregard critical lessons learned from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, potentially jeopardizing community safety. Gahler, leading a lawsuit involving 17 of Maryland's 24 counties against the state's sanctuary city policies, testified before a congressional subcommittee.
Gahler highlighted the murders of Rachel Morin and Kayla Hamilton in Harford County by individuals who were allegedly undocumented immigrants. He argued that Maryland's legislation, specifically the Community Trust Act, prohibits essential communication and cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
"In 9/11 we learned that we need to communicate with … all federal partners to keep our community safe," Gahler stated during his testimony, questioning the rationale behind legislation that restricts such cooperation. He described the laws as "stupidity at its best" and "pro-criminal."
The Community Trust Act, signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore, prevents law enforcement officials from questioning individuals about their immigration status, detaining them for immigration status investigations, or holding them based on civil immigration violations. It also restricts law enforcement from notifying federal immigration authorities of a detainee's custody unless a court order mandates it, superseding standard ICE detainers.
Gahler explained that these restrictions can compel deputies to release individuals they believe may pose a danger, rather than holding them for federal immigration authorities. He stated that honoring ICE detainers is not an undue burden on his department.
Governor Moore's office has indicated that the Community Trust Act aims to keep law enforcement focused on crime reduction and that logistical concerns could be addressed through executive action or in future legislative sessions. However, Gahler and the other sheriffs involved in the lawsuit argue that the act impedes their ability to effectively address cases involving individuals sought by federal immigration authorities.