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SB 791

Correctional Services and Criminal Procedure - Immigration Enforcement - Prohibitions (Community Trust Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clarence Lam

Maryland restricts correctional and law enforcement cooperation with ICE, requiring judicial warrants for immigration detention and data-sharing to build community trust.

Passed Enrolled
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 791

Legislative bill overview

SB 791, Maryland's Community Trust Act, prohibits correctional facilities and certain public safety agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement activities unless required by law. The bill restricts detention based solely on immigration status and limits the sharing of personal information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a judicial warrant.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how state and local law enforcement interact with federal immigration authorities, potentially protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation during routine interactions with the criminal justice system. It shapes the relationship between community policing and immigration enforcement, which advocates argue builds trust with immigrant communities while critics contend it may complicate public safety coordination.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety coordination: Opponents worry that limiting information-sharing with ICE could impede federal efforts to identify and apprehend individuals with serious criminal histories or immigration violations
  • Sanctuary policy scope: Supporters and critics disagree over whether this goes far enough (or too far) in establishing Maryland as a "sanctuary" jurisdiction, affecting its relationship with federal agencies
  • Judicial warrant requirement: The mandate for judicial warrants before detention or information sharing raises questions about implementation, resource costs, and what constitutes sufficient legal authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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