Maryland Sheriffs Sue to Block Sanctuary State Law
Seventeen Maryland sheriffs filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's new sanctuary law, arguing it endangers public safety by preventing cooperation with immigration authorities.
Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler of Harford County is leading the legal challenge alongside sixteen fellow Maryland sheriffs in partnership with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, according to Breitbart News. The lawsuit targets the state’s recently enacted Community Trust Act, designated as SB0791.
The law enforcement officials argue the legislation represents an intentional state-mandated obstruction of public safety, according to Sheriff Gahler. He explained that the new law deliberately restricts local deputies, police officers and correctional officers from sharing information with federal authorities.
Sheriff Matt Crisafulli of Worcester County emphasized that the matter transcends political considerations. He stated that the sheriffs believe the law directly undermines their ability to effectively protect their respective counties.
The Community Trust Act passed the Maryland House of Delegates by a vote of 92-37 and cleared the state Senate 32-15 earlier this week, as Breitbart News reports. The legislation became law without the signature of Democrat Governor Wes Moore.
Under the new statute, local cooperation with federal immigration officials is prohibited. The law mandates that immigration officers must present either a felony conviction or a judicial warrant before local law enforcement can communicate with ICE regarding a suspect’s immigration status.
The lawsuit contends that Maryland’s sanctuary law violates federal authority over immigration policy implementation and breaches the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution. The sheriffs further argue the legislation compels state law enforcement to break federal law by harboring illegal migrants.
FAIR characterized the situation in its press release as a textbook case of conflict preemption, noting that the Maryland sanctuary law makes it impossible to comply with both federal and state law simultaneously.
Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of FAIR, stated that sanctuary laws pose dangers to communities while being flatly unconstitutional. He argued that the nation must speak with one voice on the national problem of illegal immigration, allowing the federal government to pursue a unified policy. The lawsuit aims to enable Maryland sheriffs to continue protecting their communities by striking down what he called the law’s blatant interference with critically important national objectives.
Sheriff Mike Lewis of Wicomico County denounced the situation, calling it pathetic that the governor and General Assembly have turned their backs on all Marylanders by prioritizing partisan politics over public safety.
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins of Frederick County highlighted the practical consequences of the legislation. He explained that once sentences are completed or trials adjudicated, he must release criminals, including defendants charged with second-degree rape, sexual abuse of minors, drug trafficking, aggravated assault and sexual solicitation of minors.
With information from Breitbart News
