Maryland House Approves Amended Community Trust Act, Limiting ICE Cooperation

The bill now heads to the governor's desk after passing the state Senate and House with emergency provisions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a government building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of political change and civic reflection.The Maryland State House in Annapolis takes on a contemplative, nostalgic tone as lawmakers grapple with the state's new immigration enforcement policies.Baltimore Today

The Maryland House of Delegates has approved an amended version of the Community Trust Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill, which passed the state Senate a day earlier, now heads to the governor's desk after the House voted 92-37 to approve it as an emergency measure, meaning it would take effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Why it matters

The Community Trust Act is seen as a major piece of legislation that aims to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement by limiting when local authorities can detain individuals based on their immigration status or at the request of ICE. Supporters say it complements earlier legislation banning 287(g) agreements between ICE and local agencies, while critics argue it will make Maryland a 'sanctuary state' and undermine public safety.

The details

The House made several amendments to the Senate version of the bill, including changing the language from 'covered individual' to 'convicted' in the situations where local jails can notify ICE. The House also added a provision prohibiting state or local facilities from coercing, intimidating or threatening individuals based on their immigration status. Republicans argued the bill would 'bankrupt' the state and make it a 'sanctuary' for criminals, while Democrats said it would build trust and protect all Marylanders.

  • The Maryland Senate approved the legislation a day before the House vote.
  • The House approved the bill as an emergency measure shortly before midnight on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The final day of the 90-day legislative session is Monday, April 14, 2026, when the Senate is expected to accept the House changes.

The players

David Moon

House Majority Leader, a Montgomery County Democrat who said the bill will focus immigration enforcement on violent criminals.

Jesse Pippy

House Minority Whip, a Frederick County Republican who said the bill's policies will 'further bankrupt' Maryland.

Charles Sydnor III

A Baltimore County Democrat state senator who said he had not seen the House amendments but understood the rationale for making the bill an emergency measure.

Kathy Szeliga

A Baltimore County delegate who offered an amendment to change the bill's title to the 'Maryland Sanctuary State Act of 2026'.

Ashanti Martinez

A Prince George's County Democratic delegate who said the bill would ensure all Marylanders are protected and build trust in communities.

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What they’re saying

“We are making a real promise that immigration enforcement is focused on violent criminals. I do believe this is a balanced bill that will do that in everything going on.”

— David Moon, House Majority Leader

“These policies are going to have repercussions. Making Maryland a sanctuary state will further bankrupt us, if we're not bankrupt already.”

— Jesse Pippy, House Minority Whip

“What this bill does is to ensure we have one system around how we deal with corrections, how we deal with folks that are convicted of the most heinous of crimes. This bill builds trust. This bill puts us on a pathway for us to be able to really get our communities together.”

— Ashanti Martinez, House Majority Whip

What’s next

The Senate is expected to accept the House changes to the Community Trust Act on Monday, April 14, 2026, the final day of the legislative session, sending the bill to the governor's desk.

The takeaway

The passage of the amended Community Trust Act in the Maryland legislature reflects the ongoing debate over the balance between immigration enforcement and building trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The bill's supporters see it as a way to focus resources on violent criminals, while critics argue it will undermine public safety and make the state a 'sanctuary' for undocumented immigrants.