DOJ sues Maryland over sanctuary policies that allegedly obstruct federal immigration enforcement and the transfer of detainees to ICE custody. The July 9 complaint names Maryland and Attorney General Anthony Brown as defendants, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle editorial team.
Why the Justice Department sued Maryland
The Justice Department filed the case in the U.S. District Court for Maryland’s Northern Division. It challenges provisions of the state’s Community Trust Act, also known as Senate Bill 791.
Federal lawyers argue that Maryland limits information sharing and assistance involving immigration enforcement. The complaint also disputes restrictions affecting transfers from local detention facilities.
According to the filing, local facilities may demand judicial warrants before releasing detainees to federal officers. The federal government says immigration law also permits administrative warrants and detainers.
The DOJ identified several central allegations:
- Maryland obstructs cooperation between local agencies and ICE.
- State rules complicate transfers into federal immigration custody.
- The Community Trust Act allegedly conflicts with federal law.
- The restrictions allegedly violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
These remain allegations presented by the federal government. The court has not ruled on the legality of Maryland’s policies.
What the DOJ wants the court to order
The lawsuit seeks declaratory and permanent injunctive relief. Its requested outcomes are summarized below.
| DOJ request | Possible effect |
|---|---|
| Declare disputed provisions invalid | Key restrictions could become unenforceable |
| Issue a permanent injunction | Maryland could be barred from applying those provisions |
| Block similar future policies | Comparable restrictions could face immediate challenges |
| Award legal costs | Maryland could become responsible for federal litigation expenses |
The complaint argues that the Community Trust Act discriminates against federal operations. It asks the court to prevent Maryland officials from enforcing similar measures later.
Federal officials defend the immigration lawsuit
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said federal officers enforce laws passed by Congress. He accused sanctuary jurisdictions of shielding undocumented immigrants from federal authorities.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the department would defend federal authority and the Constitution. The DOJ described this case as part of 20 other lawsuits targeting state and local policies.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s office declined immediate comment, according to Reuters. The dispute now moves into federal court, where Maryland can challenge the government’s constitutional arguments.
Earlier we wrote that Maryland Cracks Down on Virginia Tags: $7 Daily Fines Begin After Warning Period