Even in traditionally liberal Maryland, five sheriffs who backed ICE’s efforts and subsequently sued the state for permission to cooperate with federal authorities have won the Republican primary this week, according to poll results.
Reportedly, these sheriffs faced challengers who were less aggressive on issues related to crime and immigration, yet they prevailed even in the face of opposition to their immigration policies, as noted by a local paper.
Sheriffs who secured victory in their primary elections include Jeff Gaylor from Harford County, James T. “Jim” DeWeese from Carroll County, Matthew Crisafulli from Worcester County, Mike Lewis from Wicomico County, and Chuck Jenkins from Frederick County. Notably, Worcester Sheriff Crisafulli has no Democratic opponent in November, effectively declaring him the winner of the general election.
After his primary victory, Frederick County Sheriff Jenkins reiterated his stance on immigration, stating, “It has always been a significant issue every four years… I maintain that Frederick County is a safer place because of that program”—referring to collaborations with ICE. He further insisted that his win reflects the community’s support for law and order.
In May, 17 sheriffs from Maryland banded together to challenge a new state law aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants, which some law enforcement officials argue will worsen public safety in Maryland.
A coalition of Maryland sheriffs, spearheaded by Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler from Harford County, filed a lawsuit in federal court to contest the recently enacted Community Trust Act.
Gahler criticized the new legislation, calling it “deliberate state-mandated interference with public safety” that restricts local elected officials and law enforcement from sharing crucial information with federal authorities.
“This issue isn’t merely political. It fundamentally revolves around public safety, and this law hampers our ability to effectively safeguard our communities,” added Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.
The law, which passed the House 92-37 and the Senate 32-15 without the signature of Democratic Governor Wes Moore, is viewed by the lawsuit’s plaintiffs as infringing on federal authority over immigration enforcement and violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It allegedly forces state law enforcement to harbor illegal immigrants and creates barriers to local compliance with federal immigration laws.
“Sanctuary laws are not just a hazard to our communities, but they also violate the Constitution,” remarked Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). “Our nation must unify its voice regarding illegal immigration. The federal government should be able to implement a cohesive policy; otherwise, federal law risks becoming merely nominal. This lawsuit aims to protect Maryland’s sheriffs’ ability to maintain community safety against this law’s overt disruption of national objectives.”
