Trump adviser warns Baltimore, Howard County leaders of alleged immigration law violations

Emily Opilo

The Baltimore Banner

January 1, 2025

Letters suggesting several Maryland jurisdictions are violating federal immigration law and threatening penalties were sent late last month to officials in three local jurisdictions by a group led by Stephen Miller, an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump.

The letters, sent to officials in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and numerous other officials in Maryland, take aim at the jurisdictions for policies “concealing, harboring or shielding” immigrants.

At the heart of the dispute are detainer requests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Such requests are made by ICE to local jurisdictions if someone they have arrested is also accused of being in the country illegally. The requests call for officials to hold people for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release.

Local jurisdictions across Maryland handle the requests differently. Some choose to honor them while others have formal and informal policies against such cooperation. Howard County passed a law in 2020 barring county resources from being used to enforce federal immigration law. Voters upheld the law via a 2022 ballot question.

America First Legal, a group which bills itself as fighting against the “radical left” and a conservative answer to the American Civil Liberties Union, sent the letters to 249 officials across the country, according to the group’s website. The recipient cities and counties were identified as “sanctuary jurisdictions” that are in violation of federal law, according to the letters.

“Such lawlessness subjects you and your subordinates to significant risk of criminal and civil liability,” wrote James Rogers, senior counsel for the group. “Accordingly, we are sending this letter to put you on notice of this risk and insist that you comply with our nation’s laws.”

America First Legal is headed by Miller, an immigration hard-liner who has been chosen by Trump to be his deputy chief of policy. Trump, who will take office Jan. 20, has pledged to carry out mass deportations on immigrants in the country illegally.

Locally, letters were delivered to officials including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. Several more were distributed to leaders in Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s and St. Mary’s counties. The mayors of Hyattsville and Rockville also received the letters.

The letters are largely formulaic, opening with the same stern warning about responsibilities to adhere to federal law. They cite different instances, however, in which immigrants living locally were charged with crimes.

“Your jurisdiction’s sanctuary laws or policies therefore make a mockery of American democracy and demonstrate a shocking disrespect for the rule of law,” each letter states in closing. “No matter your views on our Union, the fact of the matter is that you and the other officials who support or enforce sanctuary laws, policies, and regulations have a very personal stake in the matter — you each could face criminal prosecution and civil liability for your illegal acts.”

Safa Hira, director of communications for Howard County government, said local governments do not have the same responsibility to enforce federal immigration laws. While some jurisdictions have entered into agreements to allow them to do such enforcement, Howard County does not participate, Hira noted.

Hira said county legislation known as the Liberty Act further bars the county from committing any resources to immigration enforcement unless federal or state law requires it. The law does not prevent the federal government from enforcing immigration law, she said.

“As always, Howard County will adhere to federal and state laws,” Hira said. “Should there be changes to the law under a Trump administration, we will evaluate how to ensure compliance with federal law.”

Erica Palmisano, spokeswoman for Baltimore County Executive Olszewski, said the county is committed to maintaining a safe community for all residents.

“Baltimore County is doing this work while remaining in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws,” she said. “We will continue to follow the law while also implementing best practices that support and uplift our neighbors, ensuring that Baltimore County remains a welcoming place for all.”

A spokesman for Scott’s office could not be reached for comment.