Posted on 05/30/25
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, MD - May 30, 2025 - Eight Maryland counties and Baltimore City are classified as “Sanctuary jurisdictions,” according to the Trump administration.
A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as, “cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities,” according to the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties each made the list, in addition to 10 cities across the state.
The website said the jurisdictions were determined by several factors, such as compliance with federal law enforcement and, “legal protections for illegal aliens.”
DHS said each area listed must, “immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.”
In a statement on Thursday night, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said:
“To be clear: by definition, Baltimore is not a sanctuary city, because we do not have jurisdiction over our jails. We follow our limited obligations as defined under federal immigration law.
“But we are a welcoming city, and we make no apologies for that. We are better because of our immigrant neighbors, and we are not about to sell them out to this administration.
“Baltimore remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all of our residents. We are exploring all options to protect our immigrant neighbors and the funding appropriated to our City by Congress, including litigation.”
The 10 cities across the state deemed a sanctuary jurisdiction are Annapolis, Baltimore City, Cheverly, College Park, Edmonston, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Rockville and Tacoma Park.