05/22/2026
What’s your thoughts…Moore double talk?
WBAL-TV 11
ICE-related bill becomes law in Maryland sans signature by Moore
May 22, 2026
Immigration legislation that nearly died in the General Assembly will become law without Gov. Wes Moore’s signature.
The Community Trust Act generated fierce debate in both chambers. The legislation requires a judge’s order to detain individuals agents believe are in the country illegally.
The bill emerged as a top priority for immigrant families. State Democrats said it is a measure to strengthen due process, while Republicans called it reckless.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released a statement Friday stating his view on local law enforcement as it relates to fighting crime and protecting residents’ constitutional rights.
“Maryland will always work with the federal government when that coordination makes our people safer. But we will not let untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents deputize our law enforcement officers to do immigration work,” Moore said in his statement. “The Community Trust Act advances an important goal: Keeping local law enforcement focused on the work that has helped drive Maryland’s historic reductions in violent crime, while protecting the constitutional rights of Marylanders.”
Moore: ‘This bill presents real implementation challenges’
The governor also expressed concerns about implementing the new measure, saying executive action and further work in Session 2027 are needed to address ambiguities around joint investigations.
Moore’s full statement:
“My views on this have been clear: Maryland will always work with the federal government when that coordination makes our people safer. But we will not let untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents deputize our law enforcement officers to do immigration work.
“The Community Trust Act advances an important goal: keeping local law enforcement focused on the work that has helped drive Maryland’s historic reductions in violent crime, while protecting the constitutional rights of Marylanders. At a time when Donald Trump’s ICE has repeatedly spread fear in communities, ripped mothers out of cars, and is arresting 5 year olds, Maryland has a responsibility to make clear that public safety and civil rights go hand in hand.
“That said, this bill presents real implementation challenges that must be addressed through executive action and in next year’s legislative session. Protecting our communities requires seamless coordination among federal, state, and local partners, and the bill creates ambiguities around joint investigations that we are working with the Attorney General’s office to clarify. Local law enforcement must also retain the flexibility they need to operate within the law, share appropriate information, and keep communities safe.
“For those reasons, I will allow the Community Trust Act to become law without my signature. I look forward to working with law enforcement leaders, the legislature, advocates, and our federal partners to address these issues and ensure Maryland can protect constitutional rights, maintain trust in our communities, and give law enforcement the tools they need to keep people safe.”
What the bill calls for
Under the bill, correctional facilities can’t detain or prolong someone’s detention for Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless the agency has a warrant signed by a judge.
Law enforcement will be prohibited from proactively reaching out to ICE about someone’s immigration status unless that person is a convicted felon.
“At a time when (President) Donald Trump’s ICE has repeatedly spread fear in communities, ripped mothers out of cars, and is arresting 5-year-olds, Maryland has a responsibility to make clear that public safety and civil rights go hand in hand,” Moore said in his statement.
The Community Trust Act is considered a companion bill to the ban on 287(g) agreements that was signed by the governor despite pushback from some Maryland sheriffs. The bill prohibits law enforcement from entering into written cooperation agreements with ICE.
The bill does not limit ICE’s ability to conduct immigration enforcement.
