Maryland sheriffs sue state over sanctuary law, cite post-9/11 safety concerns

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler is heading a lawsuit on behalf of sheriffs from 17 Maryland counties that challenges the state’s sanctuary-city policy known as the Community Trust Act. Gahler argues the law, which prohibits officers from questioning immigration status or alerting federal authorities without a court order, contradicts post-9/11 security practices that require full cooperation with federal partners.

He warned that the statute can compel deputies to release suspects they consider a threat rather than detaining them for immigration officials. The legal action targets Governor Wes Moore’s administration, which earlier this year blocked 287(g) agreements and let the sanctuary bill become law without his signature. The act was drafted by State Senator Clarence Lam and bans local police from detaining individuals solely for civil immigration violations. Sheriffs maintain that the restrictions hinder their capacity to protect communities from crimes committed by illegal immigrants, citing recent murders in Harford County as examples.