Maryland's a Sanctuary?! Trump Admin Drops Immigration Bombshell

Maryland and Several Localities Labeled as 'Sanctuary Jurisdictions' by Homeland Security

In a move that's already sparking controversy and raising questions about federal overreach, the Trump administration has designated Maryland, along with several of its counties and cities, as "sanctuary jurisdictions" for immigrants. This label, announced on Thursday, carries with it a warning from federal officials and the looming possibility of withheld federal funds.

The designation stems from an April 28th executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump, targeting jurisdictions perceived to be limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), over 500 jurisdictions nationwide have received this label.

What Exactly is a "Sanctuary Jurisdiction"?

The term "sanctuary jurisdiction" encompasses various forms of governance, but generally refers to localities with policies that restrict local authorities from fully cooperating with federal immigration agencies. Proponents of these policies argue that they foster safer communities by building trust between immigrant populations and local law enforcement, encouraging cooperation with police without fear of deportation.

However, critics, like the Trump administration, contend that these policies "violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws," creating a "lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law." The executive order directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to engage with these jurisdictions and explore the possibility of withholding federal funding.

Maryland's Inclusion and the Repercussions

The DHS list includes the entire state of Maryland, along with eight counties and ten municipalities. According to the department, the designation is based on "factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens."

Here's a breakdown of the Maryland jurisdictions affected:

• State: Maryland (labeled as "Self-Identification as a State Sanctuary Jurisdiction")
• Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Talbot
• Cities/Towns:
  • Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)
  • Baltimore City
  • Cheverly (Prince George's County)
  • College Park (Prince George's County)
  • Edmonston (Prince George's County)
  • Greenbelt (Prince George's County)
  • Hyattsville (Prince George's County)
  • Mount Rainier (Prince George's County)
  • Rockville (Montgomery County)
  • Takoma Park (Montgomery County)

The DHS has issued a stern warning: "DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens."

Local Officials Push Back

Despite the federal pressure, Maryland officials are already voicing their opposition.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement suggesting possible legal action, emphasizing that Baltimore isn't technically a "sanctuary city" as it lacks jurisdiction over local jails. However, he affirmed Baltimore's commitment to being a "welcoming city."

"To be clear: by definition, Baltimore is not a sanctuary city, because we do not have jurisdiction over our jails. We follow our limited obligations as defined under federal immigration law," Scott stated. "But we are a welcoming city, and we make no apologies for that. We are better because of our immigrant neighbors, and we are not about to sell them out to this administration."

Del. Ashanti Martinez, chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, echoed these sentiments, stating that labels like "sanctuary jurisdiction" oversimplify efforts to serve and protect all residents. "Maryland, Prince George's County and our municipalities have long embraced policies that create welcoming, inclusive communities where all residents – regardless of immigration status – can live with dignity and safety," Martinez said.

Maryland's Stance

Maryland does offer certain benefits to undocumented immigrants, such as the ability to obtain driver's licenses and access health insurance through the state marketplace under specific conditions. While a recent immigration bill was weakened before passage, it still provides limited protection against immigration actions in "sensitive locations" like schools and hospitals.

Looking Ahead

The designation of Maryland and its localities as "sanctuary jurisdictions" sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal and political battle. The core issue revolves around the balance between federal authority and local autonomy, particularly concerning immigration enforcement. This situation highlights the complexities of immigration policy and the ongoing debate about how best to balance national security with the rights and needs of immigrant communities. It remains to be seen how this conflict will ultimately unfold and what impact it will have on the residents of Maryland and the nation as a whole.

Source: https://wtop.com/maryland/2025/05/homeland-security-labels-maryland-several-counties-and-cities-sanctuary-jurisdictions/