Maryland Takes Bold Steps to Shield Immigrants as Community Trust Act Hangs in the Balance

Maryland is moving decisively to protect immigrant communities from the overreach of federal immigration enforcement, enacting three key laws this week that push back against the Trump-era crackdown mentality.

Governor Wes Moore signed into law the Maryland Values Act of 2026, which stops public school staff from acting as immigration agents or sharing student data with ICE without a judicial warrant. Senate President Bill Ferguson made it clear that schools should be safe spaces, not hunting grounds for deportation. “Our valued educators cannot and will not be pawns for an organization that has used fear all too often,” Ferguson said.

Hospitals also gain new protections under SB0792, requiring them to develop clear policies on immigration enforcement activities and to train staff annually on these rules. This is a critical win for immigrant access to healthcare, ensuring fear of ICE won’t drive people away from essential services.

Additionally, Maryland banned private detention centers, which have long been criticized for inhumane conditions and lack of accountability. While no such centers currently operate in the state, this law cements public oversight and prevents future privatization of immigrant detention.

Yet, the fight is far from over. The Community Trust Act, which would severely limit when local law enforcement can share information with ICE—only allowing it for serious felony convictions or sex offender registration—was revived late in the legislative session but remains unsigned by Moore. CASA, a leading immigrant advocacy group, is pressing for its passage, calling it a crucial step for constitutional rights and immigrant justice.

Republican lawmakers are lining up against the bill, with Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey warning it “creates real gaps in communication and coordination” that threaten public safety. They have formally urged Governor Moore to veto it.

All bills must reach the governor’s desk soon, and he has 30 days to sign or veto. The Maryland Values Act and detention center ban take effect immediately, while the hospital policy law begins June 1, 2026.

Maryland’s new laws are a clear rebuke to the harsh immigration tactics of the past, prioritizing community trust and safety over fear and enforcement. But the standoff over the Community Trust Act shows that the battle to protect immigrant rights at the state level is still very much alive. We’ll be watching closely as Governor Moore weighs his decision.