Federal Government Sues State of Maryland Over State Sanctuary Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of Maryland aslleging that the state's sanctuary policies unlawfully interfere with the federal government's enforcement of immigration laws.

To read the lawsuit filed in the US District Court of Maryland, click here. 

According to the Justice Department, the lawsuit challenges Maryland policies that federal officials contend obstruct cooperation between state and federal authorities in immigration enforcement. 

The complaint alleges that certain state practices have prevented federal immigration officers from taking custody of individuals subject to immigration detainers and have hindered the enforcement of federal immigration law. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said the lawsuit is intended to uphold federal authority over immigration enforcement.

"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 of the Justice Department's Civil Division also defended the legal action.

"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 alleges that Maryland's refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has already resulted in operational challenges, including correctional facilities declining to transfer individuals into federal custody despite the presentation of immigration detainers. Federal officials argue that such actions impede immigration enforcement, place public safety at risk, and are preempted by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit follows a directive from Acting Attorney General Blanche instructing the Justice Department's Civil Division to identify and challenge state and local laws, policies, and practices that the department believes facilitate violations of federal law or interfere with lawful federal operations.

According to the Justice Department, the Maryland case is the latest in a series of 21 lawsuits filed by the Civil Division challenging sanctuary-related policies across the country, including actions involving Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York.