The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of Maryland and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, challenging the state’s immigration enforcement policies.
The lawsuit alleges that certain Maryland policies interfere with the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws and are preempted by federal law under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
According to the DOJ, Maryland’s policies have limited cooperation between state and local officials and federal immigration authorities. The complaint alleges that some detention facilities have declined to transfer individuals to federal custody in response to immigration detainer requests, which the department argues has hindered federal immigration enforcement operations.
In announcing the lawsuit, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said the department believes sanctuary policies conflict with federal immigration law and undermine the enforcement of laws enacted by Congress. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated that the DOJ views the lawsuit as part of its responsibility to defend the Constitution and ensure that federal law is enforced.
The lawsuit also alleges that Maryland’s policies have created operational challenges for federal immigration authorities and that these policies place public safety at risk. Those allegations have not been adjudicated in court, and Maryland will have an opportunity to respond to the claims during the legal proceedings.
