A Maryland sheriff has publicly criticised the state's new sanctuary law, warning it could force the release of illegal immigrants flagged by federal authorities as public safety or national security threats back onto local streets. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler made the comments after testifying before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Maryland's restrictions on cooperation between local police and immigration enforcement, arguing the policy prioritises politics over public safety and will inevitably lead to further crime.

Gahler, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, is leading 16 fellow sheriffs, representing two-thirds of the state, in a lawsuit against the Community Trust Act, which limits when authorities can question people about immigration status or notify federal immigration officers of their custody. He cited two Harford County cases involving illegal immigrants convicted of killing local women, Rachel Morin and Kayla Hamilton, saying the victims' families were ignored by supporters of the law and accusing state officials of knowingly accepting the risks involved.