Maryland Senate Passes Community Trust Act, Limiting ICE Cooperation

The bill restricts when state and local officials can share detainee information with federal immigration authorities.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, grey, and purple, depicting an indistinct government building or legislative chamber, conveying a sense of political tension and division.The passage of the Community Trust Act in Maryland highlights the ongoing national debate over the role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement.Baltimore Today

The Maryland Senate has passed the Community Trust Act, a party-line vote that will limit how state and local police and corrections officials cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill bars officials from sharing information about a detainee's immigration status with ICE unless they have a warrant. Republican lawmakers have criticized the measure, arguing it will lead to the release of 'violent illegal immigrants' who will not be deported.

Why it matters

The Community Trust Act is part of a broader debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement. Supporters argue the bill will build trust between immigrant communities and police, while critics say it will undermine public safety. The legislation's passage reflects the political divide over immigration policy in Maryland and nationwide.

The details

The Community Trust Act was approved by the Maryland Senate in a party-line vote on the last day of the legislative session. All Senate Republicans voted against the bill, which will now go to the governor for signature. The legislation bars state and local officials from sharing detainee information with ICE without a warrant, a move supporters say will encourage immigrant communities to cooperate with police. However, Republican Sen. Justin Ready argued the bill will lead to the release of 'violent illegal immigrants' who will not be deported.

  • The Maryland Senate passed the Community Trust Act on the final day of its legislative session in 2026.

The players

Justin Ready

A Republican state senator in Maryland who criticized the Community Trust Act, arguing it will lead to the release of 'violent illegal immigrants' who will not be deported.

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who said he will evaluate the Community Trust Act based on principles of due process, supporting the Constitution, and keeping communities safe.

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What they’re saying

“'This is going to hurt your community, it's really going to hurt your community.'”

— Justin Ready, State Senator

“'I've been very clear with the legislature. My guidelines for the bill is I believe in due process. I believe in supporting the Constitution, and I believe in keeping our communities safe. I have not seen the language in the bill, but those are my guidelines for that bill.'”

— Wes Moore, Governor

What’s next

Governor Wes Moore will decide whether to sign the Community Trust Act into law after reviewing the final bill language.

The takeaway

The passage of the Community Trust Act in Maryland reflects the ongoing national debate over the role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement. The legislation aims to build trust between immigrant communities and police, but critics argue it will undermine public safety by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.