BALTIMORE — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Maryland, less than two months following a similar legal action from local sheriffs. The lawsuit targets the recently enacted 'Community Trust Act,' which limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities such as ICE and Border Patrol.
The legislation, which has garnered support from several Maryland counties, prohibits law enforcement from notifying federal agents about undocumented individuals who are already in custody. Additionally, it restricts the transfer of these individuals to immigration officials unless mandated by a court order.
In the DOJ's lawsuit, announced on Thursday, officials argue that the Community Trust Act obstructs federal law enforcement efforts and undermines the constitutional responsibility of the President to ensure immigration laws are enforced. The suit specifically claims that federal law allows for civil administrative warrants for immigration enforcement without the need for a judicial warrant.
The DOJ's filing cites the potential risks to public safety posed by the state’s sanctuary policies, which have been criticized by federal officials, including former President Donald Trump and his administration. Maryland's stance, however, is that the law does not prevent law enforcement from sharing information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status.
In response to the DOJ's claims, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has provided guidance on the implementation of the Trust Act, which the DOJ argues lacks any legal basis to exempt certain information from being withheld.
The DOJ is seeking a federal court ruling to prevent Maryland from enforcing the Trust Act, invoking the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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