Sheriff suing Maryland says sanctuary laws ignore lessons of 9/11: ‘Stupidity at its best’
A Maryland sheriff leading a lawsuit by 17 of the state's 24 counties against its sanctuary policies has told Congress that lawmakers are ignoring lessons from the September 11 attacks by restricting cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, whose jurisdiction saw two women murdered by illegal immigrants in 2022 and 2023, called the state's approach "pro-criminal" and said it represents "stupidity at its best" as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, arguing that post-9/11 lessons emphasised the need for agencies to communicate.
Gahler testified that Maryland's Community Trust Act, signed into law this year by Governor Wes Moore, bars officials from questioning immigration status, detaining people over suspected civil immigration violations, or notifying federal authorities of a detainee's custody without a court order. He said this can force deputies to release individuals they consider dangerous rather than hand them to federal immigration authorities, and argued that honouring ICE detainers is not burdensome, contrary to Democratic concerns that cooperation drains local resources. Moore has defended the law as keeping police focused on crime reduction, while sheriffs behind the suit maintain it obstructs their ability to act against immigrants sought by federal authorities, including those they view as "petty criminals."
In short
- Maryland sheriff testifies sanctuary law limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- 17 counties are suing the state over the Community Trust Act.
- Sheriff says law can force release of potentially dangerous detainees.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the restrictions argue that local police should focus on investigating crimes and building trust with residents, so people are more willing to report offences and cooperate as witnesses regardless of immigration status. They may also contend that civil immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that requiring court orders before sharing information or holding someone protects due process and limits demands on local resources.
The case against
Opponents argue that limiting cooperation can prevent local and federal agencies from sharing information or transferring custody of people whom federal authorities seek, including those suspected of serious offences. They see coordination as important to public safety and law enforcement, and argue that honouring immigration detainers can help address risks that might otherwise fall between jurisdictions.
Explained simply
Maryland’s Community Trust Act sets limits on when local police and jails can help federal immigration authorities. It restricts asking people about their immigration status, holding them over suspected civil immigration violations and sharing custody information without a court order.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler and sheriffs from 17 of Maryland’s 24 counties are challenging the law in court. They argue that limits on cooperation can prevent local officers from passing people to federal authorities, while Governor Wes Moore says the law helps police concentrate on local crime.
The dispute centres on how local and federal agencies should work together on immigration enforcement. Its outcome could affect police procedures across Maryland and shape the boundary between state policy and federal immigration powers.