The Justice Department sued Maryland and state Attorney General Anthony Brown on Thursday over sanctuary policies the department says unlawfully interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
The department said Maryland facilities have refused to transfer illegal aliens into federal custody even after immigration authorities presented routine detainers, formal requests that a local jail or facility hold an individual for up to 48 hours so ICE can take custody. Ignoring a detainer doesn’t just inconvenience federal agents; it means criminal aliens can walk out the door before ICE ever shows up. Federal officials argue that Maryland’s pattern of non-cooperation has materially disrupted enforcement operations and put the public at risk.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward put it bluntly:
“Federal immigration officers merely enforce the laws that our Nation’s elected representatives in Congress passed, reflecting the will of We the People. When sanctuary jurisdictions enact laws to shield illegal aliens from federal law enforcement, it is not merely federal law that is violated, but the voices of everyday American voters silenced. Today’s suit proves that this Department will never stand for such lawless action from blue state leaders.”
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, who leads the Civil Division, added:
“The American people are ultimately the ones who suffer when states pass these irresponsible sanctuary policies. The Department of Justice will always defend the Constitution and the rule of law, and it does so today by challenging Maryland’s efforts to thwart federal immigration enforcement.”
The Justice Department argues that Maryland’s policies are preempted by federal law under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. The department also accused state and local officials of intentionally obstructing federal operations.
Acting Attorney General Blanche has directed the Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal law or interfere with lawful federal operations.
Maryland is the 21st target in the Civil Division’s ongoing campaign against sanctuary policies. Prior cases include Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York.
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