Key Takeaways
• Maryland is a DHS-designated sanctuary jurisdiction as of July 8, 2025, including eight counties and ten cities.
• State policies limit local police cooperation with federal immigration, focusing on immigrant protections except for violent offenders.
• Federal threats of funding cuts persist, but Maryland maintains strong immigrant protections and limited cooperation with DHS.
Maryland’s Sanctuary Jurisdiction Status in 2025: An Analytical Review
Purpose and Scope
This analysis examines Maryland’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2025, as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and explores the state’s specific protections and policies for undocumented immigrants. The review covers the legal framework, practical implications, stakeholder perspectives, and future outlook, providing a comprehensive understanding for immigrants, advocates, policymakers, and the general public.
Methodology
This content draws on official government statements, legislative documents, guidance from the Maryland Attorney General, and public positions from state and local leaders. It also references advocacy group positions and federal policy announcements. The analysis synthesizes these sources to present a clear picture of Maryland’s sanctuary jurisdiction status, the reasoning behind its policies, and the real-world effects on undocumented immigrants.
Key Findings
- Maryland is officially listed as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” by DHS as of July 8, 2025.
- Eight counties and ten cities in Maryland are also designated as sanctuary jurisdictions.
- Maryland’s policies limit local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement, focusing on community trust and public safety.
- State and local leaders dispute the federal sanctuary label, arguing their approach is lawful and necessary for effective policing.
- Federal authorities threaten Maryland with funding cuts and legal action unless policies change.
- Recent state laws and guidance provide clear protections for undocumented immigrants, especially regarding routine police interactions and sensitive locations.
- A new law (SB 387) requires the transfer of undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes to DHS, showing a focus on serious offenders.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
To help readers understand the scope of Maryland’s sanctuary jurisdiction status and the protections in place, the following sections break down the data and policies using clear formatting and bullet points.
Sanctuary Jurisdiction Designation: Federal and State Perspectives
DHS Sanctuary Jurisdiction List (May 2025):
– State: Maryland
– Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot
– Cities: Baltimore, Annapolis, Cheverly, College Park, Edmonston, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Rockville, Tacoma Park
Federal Criteria for Sanctuary Status:
– Not complying with federal law enforcement requests (such as detainers)
– Restricting information sharing with federal immigration authorities
– Providing legal protections to undocumented immigrants
Federal Threats and Actions:
– DHS has warned Maryland and its listed counties and cities that they may lose federal funding or face legal action if they do not change their policies to align with federal immigration laws.
Maryland Officials’ Response:
– Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott reject the “sanctuary” label, stating that their policies are about public safety and community trust, not about obstructing federal law.
– Mayor Scott points out that Baltimore does not control its jails and complies with federal law as required.
Maryland’s Policies and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
Attorney General Guidance (January 2025):
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued updated guidance for law enforcement. The main points include:
- Police cannot ask about immigration status during routine work unless it is part of a criminal investigation.
- Officers must not keep someone in custody just to check their immigration status.
- Sharing immigration or citizenship status with federal officials is allowed but not required.
- Personal information (like names and addresses) cannot be shared with federal immigration authorities unless there is a judicial warrant.
- Holding people on immigration detainers without probable cause can lead to civil lawsuits.
- Maryland law bans contracts with private immigration detention centers.
- The guidance stresses that federal law does not force state or local police to enforce immigration laws.
Maryland VALUES Act:
– Ended 287(g) agreements, which had allowed local police to act as federal immigration agents.
– Aimed to stop racial profiling and protect immigrant communities from abuse.
Sensitive Locations Protection:
– State law limits ICE access to places like schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship unless they have a warrant.
– This helps immigrant families feel safe using important services.
Correctional Facilities Transfers (Effective October 1, 2025):
– Senate Bill 387 requires state or local jails to transfer undocumented immigrants serving sentences for crimes to DHS if requested.
– This law focuses on violent offenders, while keeping other protections in place for non-criminal immigrants.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Comparison with Previous Years:
– Maryland has a long history of limiting local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
– The Trump administration first used the “sanctuary jurisdiction” label widely, and the current administration continues to use it as a tool to pressure states and cities.
– Maryland has responded by strengthening state laws and guidance to protect undocumented immigrants, while still cooperating with federal authorities on violent crimes.
Trends:
– Increasing Federal Pressure: The federal government is using funding threats and legal actions more often to push states like Maryland to change their policies.
– State Resistance: Maryland and its local leaders are standing firm, arguing that their approach is both legal and necessary for public safety.
– Focus on Violent Offenders: Recent laws show a trend toward cooperating with federal authorities only in cases involving serious crimes, not for routine immigration enforcement.
Patterns:
– Community Trust as a Priority: Maryland’s policies are designed to make sure immigrants feel safe reporting crimes and using public services.
– Legal Protections: The state is careful to avoid civil liability by not holding people on immigration detainers without probable cause or a warrant.
– Separation of Roles: Maryland makes a clear distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
1. Maryland’s Sanctuary Jurisdiction Status Is Both Legal and Contested
Maryland’s designation as a sanctuary jurisdiction by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is based on clear criteria: the state’s refusal to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, especially in routine matters. However, Maryland officials argue that their approach is lawful, focused on public safety, and necessary to maintain trust with immigrant communities.
2. State and Local Policies Provide Real Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
The updated guidance from the Maryland Attorney General and the Maryland VALUES Act provide strong protections for undocumented immigrants. Police cannot ask about immigration status during routine stops, and personal information is protected unless there is a warrant. These policies help immigrants feel safer and more willing to interact with law enforcement.
3. Cooperation with Federal Authorities Is Limited to Serious Crimes
Maryland’s new law (SB 387) shows that the state is willing to cooperate with DHS when it comes to violent offenders. However, for non-criminal immigrants, the state maintains strong protections against deportation based on routine police contact.
4. Federal Pressure Is Unlikely to Change Maryland’s Approach Soon
Despite threats of funding cuts and legal action, Maryland’s leaders remain committed to their current policies. They argue that these policies are both legal and necessary for effective policing and public safety.
Limitations of the Analysis
- Federal Policy Changes: Future changes in federal immigration policy could affect Maryland’s sanctuary status and the protections in place.
- Legal Challenges: Ongoing or future lawsuits could change how state and local policies are enforced.
- Local Variations: While state laws set the framework, individual counties and cities may have their own policies and practices.
- Data Availability: Some information, such as the exact number of people affected by these policies, is not publicly available.
Practical Implications for Stakeholders
For Undocumented Immigrants:
– Routine Police Interactions: You are unlikely to be asked about your immigration status during routine police stops or when reporting a crime.
– Protection of Personal Information: Your personal details are protected unless there is a court order.
– Access to Services: You can use schools, hospitals, and other important services without fear of ICE action, unless there is a warrant.
– Risk for Violent Offenders: If you are convicted of a violent crime, you may be transferred to DHS custody.
For Law Enforcement:
– Clear Guidance: Officers have clear rules about when they can ask about immigration status and when they can share information with federal authorities.
– Reduced Liability: Following state guidance helps avoid lawsuits related to wrongful detention.
For Advocates and Community Groups:
– Support for Immigrants: Maryland’s laws and guidance provide a strong foundation for helping immigrants feel safe and supported.
– Ongoing Advocacy Needed: Federal pressure and possible legal challenges mean continued advocacy is important.
For Policymakers:
– Balancing Act: Maryland’s approach tries to balance public safety, community trust, and compliance with federal law.
– Potential for Change: Future federal actions or court decisions could require policy adjustments.
Official Resources and Further Information
For those seeking more details or official documents:
- Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General’s Immigration Guidance
- Maryland General Assembly: Legislative Information
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: DHS Official Website
- CASA Maryland: CASA Maryland Resources
For information about immigration forms, such as those related to detention or removal, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Forms page.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Maryland’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2025 reflects a careful balance between protecting undocumented immigrants and cooperating with federal authorities on serious crimes. The state’s policies are designed to build trust, protect personal information, and ensure public safety. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues to pressure Maryland to change its approach, state and local leaders remain committed to their current policies.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Maryland’s experience highlights the ongoing debate between federal and state authority over immigration enforcement. For immigrants, advocates, and policymakers, staying informed about legal changes and official guidance is essential. Those affected by these policies should seek advice from trusted organizations and monitor updates from official sources.
Actionable Takeaways:
– Undocumented immigrants in Maryland should know their rights and protections under state law.
– Law enforcement and advocates should follow the latest guidance from the Maryland Attorney General.
– Policymakers and community leaders should prepare for possible changes in federal policy or legal challenges.
– All stakeholders should use official resources for the most current information.
Maryland’s approach in 2025 serves as a model for balancing public safety and immigrant protections, even as federal and state authorities continue to debate the best path forward.
Learn Today
Sanctuary Jurisdiction → A state or locality limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Detainer → A request from federal authorities asking local law enforcement to hold someone for immigration custody.
Maryland VALUES Act → State law ending 287(g) agreements to prevent local police from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Sensitive Locations → Places like schools and hospitals where ICE access is restricted unless a judicial warrant exists.
SB 387 → Maryland law requiring the transfer of convicted undocumented violent offenders to federal immigration authorities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Maryland’s 2025 sanctuary jurisdiction status balances immigrant protections with cooperation on violent crimes. State laws shield undocumented immigrants, limit local police immigration roles, and emphasize community trust. Despite federal funding threats, Maryland insists on lawful policies that protect immigrants while maintaining public safety and restricting federal enforcement to serious offenders.
— By VisaVerge.com
