Talbot County, Maryland

05/28/2026

Category: Sheriff Department

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. 

During a conference call last Friday, Sheriff Gamble asked Governor Moore whether he was aware of the unintended public safety consequences this legislation could have on our communities. Governor Moore acknowledged that he and his staff were aware of those potential consequences and expressed a willingness to work with the legislature to address provisions of the bill that he did not support. However, rather than vetoing the bill and collaborating with lawmakers and law enforcement during the next legislative session to resolve those concerns, he allowed legislation to become law immediately. 

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to prevent enforcement of provisions within the Community Trust Act that the sheriffs believe unlawfully interfere with law enforcement operations and compromise community safety throughout Maryland. The sheriffs argue the law creates significant barriers to communication and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies, undermining long-standing public safety partnerships that help identify and remove dangerous offenders from local communities.

Through this legal action, the sheriffs are asking the court to ensure law enforcement agencies can continue working collaboratively with federal partners to protect Maryland residents and maintain public safety statewide.