05/27/2026
Mid and Upper Shore Sheriffs Join Lawsuit Challenging Community Trust Act
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Seventeen Maryland Sheriffs, joined by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), announced today the filing of a federal lawsuit challenging Maryland’s newly enacted “Community Trust Act,” arguing the law undermines public safety and restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
The lawsuit, filed against Governor Wes Moore, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, and the State of Maryland, contends the law interferes with the ability of sheriffs and local detention centers to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding individuals in custody who may pose threats to public safety.
The sheriffs involved represent jurisdictions across Maryland, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.
The lawsuit argues that under the Community Trust Act, local correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies are prohibited or severely limited from detaining individuals for ICE beyond their scheduled release except in narrowly defined circumstances involving certain felony convictions or prison sentences. According to the complaint, these restrictions may result in individuals who pose legitimate public safety concerns being released back into Maryland communities because they do not meet the law’s limited criteria for continued detention.
The sheriffs further contend the law places local law enforcement officers in an untenable position by restricting cooperation with federal authorities while still expecting sheriffs to uphold both state and federal law. The complaint also argues that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction and that state laws obstructing that authority violate the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, potentially exposing local law enforcement agencies to federal legal liability.
QUOTE FROM SHERIFF BAKER
Today, I was proud to stand alongside 16 sheriffs from across the State of Maryland who are taking a firm, principled stand against the Community Trust Act. At its core, this movement is driven by the conviction that public safety should never be politicized. Our law enforcement officers deserve absolute clarity, unwavering support, and the professional freedom to do the vital jobs they were sworn to do, protecting our communities and ensuring the safety of every Maryland family. This lawsuit represents more than just a legal challenge; it is a resolute stand for the rule of law, the defense of local authority, and the fundamental necessity of ensuring that the voices of our counties and our law enforcement leaders are heard at the highest levels of government. Caroline County remains steadfast in its commitment to our officers, and we will always stand with those on the front lines to protect the citizens we were elected to serve.
To watch the press conference please visit... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmaoucb5ZeA