Critics blast ‘sanctuary state’ push as lawmakers pass Community Trust Act in final hours

MARYLAND (WBFF) — A sweeping immigration enforcement bill that opponents thought was dead is back in play in Maryland after the state legislature passed the Community Trust Act in the last hours of the session.

In many cases, the measure bars local authorities from discussing with federal authorities the immigration status of someone in their custody.

Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County, criticized the proposal on talk radio, saying, “They’re calling it the Trust Act but what it is is the sanctuary state act.” Szeliga also said, “What this bill will do is let them go without contacting ICE who have a deportation order on them.”

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Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees condemned the legislation, saying, “All it’s doing is protecting criminals and we know that the super majority in Annapolis absolutely loves their criminals.” DeWees said local law enforcement leaders are now considering their next steps, including legal action.

“We will likely be taking this to court. I simply can’t allow a legislative body tell me that you can not communicate with another law enforcement agency be it local state or federal on matters of public safety in my community,” DeWees said.

Political analyst John Dedie raised concerns about how the legislation could be received by the federal government, asking, “Are you poking the bear with the Trump administration?” Dedie said Maryland could risk being shut out from federal dollars if it limits communication with federal authorities.

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“By doing this type of legislation it could cause the state more problems, with funding, perhaps more back and forth with Governor Moore and the legislature. I think that is the risk they’re willing to take,” Dedie said.

On talk radio, callers also voiced concern about the potential fallout. “It seems the Trump administration has Maryland on its radar. And the last I checked we cannot lose a dollar of federal funding,” host Kim Klacik told listeners.