The recent arrest of Filberto Gonzalez Gutierrez, an undocumented immigrant charged with attempted murder in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, faced potential complications due to a new sanctuary law signed by Governor Wes Moore. The law, enacted on Tuesday, aims to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising concerns within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
A spokesperson for Governor Moore asserted that the new legislation does not prevent the deportation of criminals. However, DHS officials stated that this change could hinder the arrest of undocumented individuals like Gutierrez, who is accused of using a box cutter to slash his wife’s neck after suspecting infidelity.
Following his arrest, Gutierrez was honored for allowing a safe transfer while in ICE custody at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center. DHS noted that the recent legislation jeopardizes the security of such operations.
The newly signed bill prohibits local and state authorities in Maryland from participating in the 287(g) program, which previously enabled collaboration with ICE. Effective immediately, local governments must terminate existing 287(g) agreements. Although the legislation does not preclude law enforcement from notifying ICE about detainees, it restricts their ability to issue immigration detainers independently.
In response, Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Governor Moore’s office, emphasized that the new law does not hinder efforts to deport dangerous individuals. On the contrary, the governor criticized federal immigration authorities, citing concerns about accountability and the appropriateness of ICE agents representing local law enforcement.
Moore reiterated that the bill aims to define the separation between state and federal powers while affirming Maryland’s identity as a community that values immigrants. Nevertheless, Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at DHS, cautioned that this legislative move prioritizes undocumented individuals over American citizens, labeling it a dangerous path.
McLaughlin also highlighted concerns over public safety, asserting that the Maryland sanctuary policy endangers citizens by limiting cooperation with ICE. She called out other recent arrests made by ICE, including individuals with serious criminal records.
DHS underscored that the refusal to work with ICE could lead to continued violence and crime within communities, noting that protecting violent offenders can have dire consequences for the safety of the public.
