Maryland AG Releases Guidance For Law Enforcement On Immigration

By FOX45
Posted on 01/27/25 | News Source: FOX45

Annapolis, MD - Jan. 27, 2025 - Maryland's Attorney General Anthony Brown released guidance for state and local law enforcement on their role in federal immigration policies as debate on the topic swirls.

The guidance is an update to policies outlined in 2017 addressing changes in Maryland law.

“Maryland law ensures police handle immigration enforcement in a way that builds trust with immigrant communities, helping them feel safe to report and prevent crime. The federal government cannot compel state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws,” Attorney General Brown said. “This guidance ensures that law enforcement agencies understand the scope and limitations of their authority and makes clear that the rule of law does not change depending on the federal government’s priorities.”

According to the guidance, law enforcement officers:

• Cannot inquire about immigration status during routine police work unless relevant to a criminal investigation;
• Must not extend detentions to investigate immigration status;
• May share citizenship/immigration status with federal officials but are not required to do so;
• Cannot share personal information (names, addresses) with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant;
• Risk civil liability if they hold individuals on immigration detainers without probable cause; and
• Are prohibited from contracting with private immigration detention facilities.

The above are just a sampling of the policies included.

Brown's statement also notes that while the guidance itself is for law enforcement use, he "wants Marylanders to have access to the document for informational purposes."