Mid and Upper Shore Sheriffs Join Lawsuit Challenging Community Trust Act

Seventeen Maryland sheriffs, along with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Maryland’s newly enacted Community Trust Act. The lawsuit names Governor Wes Moore, and Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, as well as the State of Maryland as defendants. According to the complaint, the sheriffs argue the law limits cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding individuals in custody. The lawsuit contends the law restricts when local detention centers can hold individuals for ICE and could impact communication and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies. The sheriffs involved represent jurisdictions across Maryland, including several counties on the Eastern Shore. The lawsuit seeks to block enforcement of portions of the law while the case moves through federal court.

Additional Information:

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.