MARYLAND (DC News Now) — As tension continues to rise surrounding deportations across the country, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released new guidance for law enforcement agencies outlining their role in federal government immigration enforcement.
On Monday, Jan. 27, Brown issued the new immigration enforcement guidance, which applies to all state, county and local law enforcement agencies.
The guidance emphasized that officers cannot inquire about a person’s immigration status during routine police work unless it is relevant to a criminal investigation, extend detention to investigate immigration status and share personal information with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant.
The guidance also noted the following instruction for officers:
- May share citizenship/immigration status with federal officials but are not required to do so
- Risk civil liability if they hold individuals on immigration detainers without probable cause
- Are prohibited from contracting with private immigration detention facilities.
Officials said the new memorandum is designed to help officers comply with federal and state laws while protecting individual constitutional rights and maintaining community trust.
“Maryland law ensures police handle immigration enforcement in a way that builds trust with immigrant communities, helping them feel safe to report and prevent crime. The federal government cannot compel state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws,” said Brown, in a release. “This guidance ensures that law enforcement agencies understand the scope and limitations of their authority and makes clear that the rule of law does not change depending on the federal government’s priorities.”
The new guidance was updated to address changes in Maryland law.
