Maryland House Passes 'No Kings Act' to Hold Federal Agents Accountable Despite GOP Objections

The Maryland House of Delegates gave a strong thumbs-up Thursday to the 'No Kings Act' (Senate Bill 346), a measure designed to let Marylanders sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights. The bill passed 95-35 despite fierce opposition from House Republicans who framed it as a politically motivated attack on federal immigration enforcement.

Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Montgomery), the legislation draws from a federal law that allows lawsuits against state or local officials acting "under the color of law." It extends similar accountability to federal officers operating in Maryland—a direct response to a string of confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Good in Minneapolis.

Republicans criticized the bill as an emotional reaction that goes too far. House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) questioned whether the bill could lead to lawsuits over unrelated constitutional issues like gun rights or diversity policies, suggesting Democrats were weaponizing the law for political theater. Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) dismissed the bill as just another way for Democrats to vent frustration at the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

But Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City), managing the bill on the House floor, pushed back hard. She emphasized that the bill simply aligns federal officials with the same legal standards already applied to state and local officers. “This bill is the state empowering its residents and attorney general to protect the U.S. Constitution,” she said, referencing the existing federal statute 42 U.S.C. § 1983 as a model.

Democrats framed the bill as a necessary safeguard amid growing fears of federal overreach. Del. Samuel “Sandy” Rosenberg (D-Baltimore City) cited concerns from constitutional scholars about the federal government’s erosion of rights, arguing the bill is a measured response—not a political stunt.

While Republicans say the 'No Kings Act' risks unintended consequences and undermines law enforcement, supporters see it as a crucial tool to hold federal agents accountable and prevent abuses like those seen in Minneapolis from happening in Maryland.

The bill had already cleared the Senate and now awaits final approval after minor House amendments. If enacted, Maryland will join a handful of states pushing back against federal overreach with legal mechanisms that empower residents to defend their constitutional rights.

This showdown in Maryland reflects a broader national battle over immigration enforcement, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—one that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.