The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Maryland on Thursday, accusing the state of obstructing federal immigration enforcement through its sanctuary policies. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that Maryland's Community Trust Act violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by impeding federal immigration officers from enforcing laws passed by Congress.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The DOJ claims Maryland’s policies, particularly the Community Trust Act, prevent local authorities from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawsuit cites an incident on May 29, 2026, where a Worcester County Jail warden refused to honor an ICE detainer, releasing an individual to ICE custody. The DOJ argues this obstruction jeopardizes public safety and undermines federal law.
Deeper Dive & Context
Legal and Policy Context
The lawsuit is part of a broader DOJ effort to challenge sanctuary policies nationwide. Since February 2025, the DOJ has filed similar lawsuits against Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York. The DOJ argues that state laws cannot override federal immigration enforcement, citing the Supremacy Clause.
Opposing Perspectives
The DOJ’s lawsuit alleges that Maryland’s policies intentionally shield illegal immigrants from federal enforcement, violating federal law. Associate U.S. Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated that such policies undermine the will of American voters. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Public Safety Concerns
The DOJ claims that Maryland’s policies put the public at risk by allowing individuals to evade removal proceedings. The lawsuit argues that federal immigration officers are merely enforcing laws passed by Congress, and state policies that obstruct this enforcement are unlawful.
Broader Implications
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges by the DOJ against states with sanctuary policies. The DOJ has instructed its Civil Division to identify and challenge policies that obstruct federal immigration operations. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for similar cases nationwide.