FAIR Sues Maryland Over Community Trust Act
Recently, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) initiated a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, representing 17 out of the 24 sheriffs in the state. This legal action challenges the newly enacted Community Trust Act.
Critics argue this law essentially serves as a sanctuary directive that actively hinders collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. The sheriffs being represented are, after all, tasked with upholding public safety and the integrity of both state and federal constitutions. Yet, it feels like they’re being caught in a tricky position by decisions made in Annapolis.
The plaintiffs account for about 70 percent of the county sheriffs in Maryland. They approached FAIR not out of political motives but in search of relief from legislation that complicates their duty to safeguard their communities. As someone committed to national interests in immigration, I found it hard to watch dedicated law enforcement personnel being forced to release criminals—those who may remain a threat to society.
The law, cleverly named the Community Trust Act, imposes strict limits on local detention facilities when it comes to dealing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees. It makes it difficult for local authorities to share information with federal partners and, in most instances, prevents them from detaining illegal immigrants unless under very specific circumstances. It’s hard to see how this fosters trust in the community. It essentially requires a judicial warrant for actions that federal law already permits, effectively creating barriers that turn Maryland into, as some sheriffs have termed it, a “super-sanctuary” state.
I felt compelled to take on this issue because the human consequences of sanctuary policies are all too real. They manifest in the heartbreak of families. At a recent press conference, I stood with Angel Parents who have experienced unimaginable loss—like Patti Morin, whose daughter Rachel was killed in 2023, or James Walden III, whose tragic accident in 2017 was linked to a driver who, due to lax enforcement, should have faced deportation. Sadly, such stories are not rare; the pain exacted by these policies can’t be ignored.
Sanctuary laws have consistently fallen short across various states. Areas like New York and California, where collaboration with ICE is limited, have witnessed increases in crime, often from individuals who should have been deported long before. The statistics show that reduced cooperation often leads to crime spikes. It’s a dilemma that not only impacts local communities but reverberates nationwide, as states like Maryland seem to dig deeper into this flawed approach.
This lawsuit isn’t confined to Maryland alone. Immigration policy is a national concern, and all Americans should oppose sanctuary laws. The Constitution makes it clear that federal law trumps state law, especially regarding immigration. When a state opts to protect criminal aliens, it creates repercussions that affect everyone—higher crime rates, increased taxes, and a weakening of lawful governance. Criminals don’t adhere to state lines, so we can’t afford a fragmented approach that undermines federal immigration standards.
Our sheriffs aren’t seeking expanded authority; they simply want to perform their duties without the fear of state repercussions for complying with federal guidelines. The current legislation forces a terrible choice: uphold their oaths or risk state penalties. In intervening, Maryland is not only jeopardizing public safety but also challenging federal policy.
FAIR has continuously highlighted the shortcomings of sanctuary policies. When criminals are shielded, the repercussions are felt by law-abiding citizens and legal immigrants alike. Law enforcement agencies cannot effectively tackle issues like gangs, drug trafficking, or human trafficking without full access to immigration information and resources. It’s difficult to understand how limiting cooperation could genuinely make a community safer; it simply defies logic.
Governor Wes Moore allowed this bill to pass without objection, citing enforcement apprehensions. However, he, together with the public, deserves stronger actions than mere token gestures. Public safety demands full compliance with immigration laws, maintaining border security, and fostering cooperation across all levels of government.
This isn’t just a partisan issue. It’s fundamentally about whether we uphold the rule of law or succumb to selective enforcement that favors those who break it. FAIR stands firmly with Maryland’s sheriffs, as their struggle is, in many ways, a national struggle. We will explore every possible legal avenue to annul this misguided legislation and restore the ability of law enforcement to keep criminal illegal immigrants off our streets.
All Americans should pay attention to what’s happening in Maryland. If this sanctuary mindset gains ground here, it could spread further. The stakes involve protecting innocent lives—friends, family, neighbors—not just political causes.
Ultimately, we filed this lawsuit to uphold the rule of law, honor the memories of victims like Rachel, Jimmy, and Kayla, and make sure sheriffs can fulfill their vital responsibilities. For both Maryland and the broader country, we need to put an end to this dangerous policy.
