Immigration legislation becomes law without Gov. Moore’s signature.

Immigration legislation that nearly died in the General Assembly will become law without Gov. Wes Moore’s signature. The Community Trust Act generated fierce debate in both chambers. Maryland Democrats said it is a measure to strengthen due process, while Republicans called it reckless. The legislation requires a judge’s order to detain individuals agents believe are in the country illegally. The governor is allowing another immigration bill become law without his signature. The Data Privacy Act, becomes law on July 1 to prohibit federal agencies from accessing state databases in the course of immigration enforcement. Governor Moore also expressed concerns about implementing the new measure, saying executive action and further work in Session 2027 are needed to address ambiguities around joint investigations. Under the bill, correctional facilities can’t detain or prolong someone’s detention for Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless the agency has a warrant signed by a judge. Law enforcement will be prohibited from proactively reaching out to ICE about someone’s immigration status unless that person is a convicted felon. The Community Trust Act is considered a companion bill to the ban 287(g) agreements that was signed by the governor despite pushback from some Maryland sheriffs. The bill prohibits law enforcement from entering into written cooperation agreements with ICE.