Maryland Senate Advances Controversial Immigration Bill

The Community Trust Act aims to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, fractured painting depicting the Maryland State House dome in overlapping geometric shapes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the dynamic political debate surrounding the Community Trust Act.The Maryland State Capitol building is the backdrop for a heated political battle over a bill that would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.Baltimore Today

A controversial bill known as the Community Trust Act, which aims to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities in Maryland, is now on a fast track to passage in the state Senate. The legislation, once considered all but dead, has emerged as a top priority for immigrant families and advocacy groups like CASA, who have aggressively lobbied lawmakers this week.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as a measure to strengthen due process and protect immigrant communities, but has faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers who argue it will undermine public safety by restricting communication between local and federal law enforcement.

The details

The bill would prohibit correctional facilities from detaining or prolonging someone's detention for ICE unless the agency has a warrant signed by a judge. It would also bar law enforcement from proactively reaching out to ICE about someone's immigration status unless that person is a convicted felon. The version currently on the Senate floor is a watered-down compromise from the original proposal.

  • The bill is expected to pass the Maryland Senate before the legislative session ends at midnight on Monday, April 15, 2026.
  • Governor Wes Moore recently signed a companion bill banning 287(g) agreements that allowed local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.

The players

Bill Ferguson

Maryland Senate President, a Democrat who says the policy 'upholds Maryland values' of treating neighbors with respect and due process.

Justin Ready

Maryland Senate Minority Whip, a Republican who argues the bill will 'impact public safety' by limiting communication between local and federal law enforcement.

Will Smith

Chairman of the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, a Democrat who says the bill maintains public safety protections for serious crimes regardless of immigration status.

William Folden

Republican state senator from Frederick County who says 'not to be able to work with our federal partners is reckless ideology'.

CASA

A Maryland-based immigrant advocacy group that held emergency rallies and aggressively lobbied lawmakers to advance the Community Trust Act.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This policy upholds Maryland values. When you ask Marylanders what is important, it's that we treat our neighbors with respect and due process and justice.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President

“This is going to impact public safety in every one of your counties, jurisdictions. This is, in my view, a dramatic change in how local law enforcement can communicate with federal law enforcement about criminals.”

— Justin Ready, Maryland Senate Minority Whip

“Public safety is top of mind under this legislation. If you have been convicted of multiple DUIs, if you have been convicted of murder, all those things are still subject to the criminal justice system. Nothing in this bill changes that, regardless of your immigration status.”

— Will Smith, Chairman, Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee

What’s next

The Community Trust Act must still clear procedural hurdles before the Maryland legislative session ends at midnight on Monday, April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant advocates seeking to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and critics who argue it will undermine public safety. Its passage would make Maryland the latest state to enact policies aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants, despite opposition from some law enforcement officials.