As of late 2025, Maryland is not considered a sanctuary state, though it is home to multiple jurisdictions labeled as "sanctuary" by the federal government. The distinction is important because the state has not passed a statewide law that officially restricts cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Here's
a breakdown of Maryland's current status and related events in 2025:
· No statewide
law: Maryland does not have a "Trust Act" that would legally
limit state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
· 2025 legislative
action: During the 2025 legislative session, a "watered-down"
immigration bill was passed that did not include a ban on local police
cooperation with ICE. The final bill provided limited protection for immigrants
in specific "sensitive locations," such as schools and hospitals.
· Federal designation of
local areas: In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security labeled
Maryland, along with eight of its counties and ten of its cities, as
"sanctuary jurisdictions". This designation, which local leaders
pushed back on, does not have a formal legal definition but generally refers to
jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
· Local cooperation
varies: Despite the state's official position, some Maryland jurisdictions
and officials have taken different stances. For example:
o Some counties cooperate
with ICE: In 2025, several counties, including Carroll, Allegany, Garrett,
St. Mary's, and Washington, joined ICE's 287(g) program, which allows local law
enforcement to perform some immigration enforcement functions.
o Some local leaders reject the "sanctuary" label: In May 2025, Baltimore's mayor rejected the federal "sanctuary" label for the city, stating that it does not control its jails, which are run by the state.
Ultimately, the patchwork of local policies means that Maryland's approach to immigration cooperation is inconsistent across the state.
As of late 2025, Maryland's status as a "sanctuary state" is complicated and a point of controversy. While federal authorities have designated the state as a sanctuary jurisdiction, Maryland officials dispute this claim, and there is no universal agreement on the definition of the term.
Here is a breakdown of recent developments:
Federal
designation
· May 2025: The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled Maryland and several of its
counties and cities as "sanctuary jurisdictions".
· August 2025: A subsequent and more limited list from the U.S. Justice Department only included Baltimore County in Maryland. However, county officials immediately stated that this was a mistake and that they are not a sanctuary jurisdiction.
Maryland
legislation
· April 2025: The
Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Values Act (HB1222), which
prohibits state and local agents from entering into immigration enforcement
agreements with federal agencies.
· This law came after
earlier legislative debates in the state that addressed limiting local
cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, though some provisions were
watered down.
· June 2025: Another new law took effect that prohibits public schools and libraries from providing federal immigration authorities with access to non-public areas without a warrant or exigent circumstances.
Interpretation
and local pushback
· The
"sanctuary" label lacks a single legal definition. It generally
refers to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration
enforcement.
· Many Maryland
jurisdictions have pushed back against the federal designation, denying that
their policies intentionally obstruct federal law. They instead emphasize that
their focus is on local law enforcement and community trust.
· Maryland officials, including the attorney general, have challenged the federal label and rejected the associated rhetoric.
What
this means
Ultimately, Maryland has state laws and policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, which is why it was labeled a "sanctuary jurisdiction" by federal authorities in 2025. However, this designation is disputed by Maryland leaders, and it is not universally agreed upon.
https://www.google.com/search?q=is+maryland+a+sanctuary+state+2025
Comments
Criminals have moved from DC to Maryland. ICE will need to use National Guard Troops to keep the peace and Federal Officers to arrest violent protesters. Violent Protesters need to be arrested by Federal Law Enforcement or other “Deputized Officers”.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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