Maryland Immigration Bill Draws Mixed Reaction on Eastern Shore

​A major immigration bill passed in the final hours of Maryland’s legislative session is drawing strong reactions across the state, including on the Eastern Shore.

The Community Trust Act, approved April 13, now heads to Governor Wes Moore for his signature. If signed, the law would take effect immediately.

The legislation places new limits on how state and local law enforcement agencies interact with federal immigration authorities. Under the bill, local jails could not hold individuals for immigration enforcement without a warrant signed by a judge. It also restricts the sharing of certain information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and limits the use of local resources for federal enforcement.
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Lawmakers also passed the Data Privacy Act alongside the measure, which would prevent agencies from sharing personal information such as driver’s license records, school data, and public benefits information for immigration enforcement.

Supporters say the bill will help build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, encouraging people to report crimes and access services without fear.

However, the legislation is facing pushback from some Eastern Shore leaders. State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, who represents parts of the Lower Shore, criticized the bill, arguing it could impact public safety. Several local sheriffs, including in Worcester and Wicomico counties, have also raised concerns that limiting cooperation with federal authorities could make it harder to remove individuals with serious criminal histories.
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Officials on both sides of the issue say the impact of the new law will likely be closely watched by communities across the Mid-Shore and throughout Maryland.