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On July 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Maryland and Attorney General Anthony Brown, asking a federal court to strike down Maryland’s Community Trust Act — a sanctuary policy that bars local police and jails from cooperating with ICE detainer requests. This isn’t an isolated move. The DOJ has now filed more than 20 similar lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions across the country. If you or someone you care about lives in Maryland or any community caught in the middle of this fight, the stakes are real. Don’t wait to figure out where you stand. Contact our immigration team at Tez Law P.C. for immediate guidance.
Background: What Is the DOJ vs. Maryland Lawsuit About?
Maryland passed the Community Trust Act to do exactly what the name suggests — build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Under the law, local police and jails can’t honor ICE civil detainers. Those are requests from federal immigration authorities asking local facilities to hold someone beyond their normal release date so ICE can potentially pick them up for deportation proceedings. Supporters of the law say it makes communities safer. When immigrants aren’t afraid to call the police or report a crime, everyone benefits.
The Trump administration’s DOJ sees it differently. They argue the Community Trust Act directly conflicts with federal immigration law and violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution — the principle that federal law trumps state law when the two conflict. The DOJ also points to 8 U.S.C. § 1373, a federal statute that prohibits government entities from blocking communication with federal immigration authorities. The core argument is straightforward: states don’t get to decide which federal enforcement efforts they’ll cooperate with. Maryland disagrees. And now a federal court will have to sort it out.
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This is not an isolated action. As of July 2026, the federal government has filed over 20 similar lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, including actions against cities, counties, and states that have enacted policies limiting local cooperation with ICE. The Maryland lawsuit is notable because it targets an entire statewide policy, setting the stage for a potentially landmark federal court ruling on the constitutionality of sanctuary laws across the country.
The legal outcome of United States v. Maryland could reshape immigration enforcement in every state — regardless of whether your state has a sanctuary policy or not.
How This Affects Immigrants and Families Nationwide
For immigrants living in Maryland and other sanctuary jurisdictions, this lawsuit creates immediate uncertainty. Even before a court issues a ruling, the heightened federal scrutiny may embolden local officials to cooperate more closely with ICE out of fear of legal liability or federal funding cuts — a dynamic that has already played out in jurisdictions facing similar federal pressure.
Here is who is most directly impacted:
- Undocumented immigrants in Maryland and other sanctuary states who may have previously felt some protection from local law enforcement referrals to ICE.
- Mixed-status families who live in sanctuary jurisdictions and rely on local policies to keep their households intact.
- DACA recipients and TPS holders whose legal status remains precarious amid ongoing federal immigration policy shifts in 2026.
- Legal permanent residents with prior arrests or minor criminal records, who could be subject to ICE detainers if local jails begin cooperating with federal authorities.
- Immigrants in non-sanctuary states, who may face copycat enforcement actions if federal courts strike down sanctuary laws nationwide.
Beyond the immediate legal battle, this lawsuit signals that the federal government is prepared to use litigation, funding threats, and political pressure to dismantle sanctuary policies wherever they exist. No community should assume it is insulated from these changes. Our immigration services team at Tez Law P.C. is actively monitoring every development and advising clients nationwide.
What You Should Do Now: Actionable Steps
The most dangerous thing any immigrant can do right now is wait. Whether you live in Maryland, California, Illinois, or any other state, proactive legal preparation is your best protection. Here are concrete steps to take immediately:
- Know your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney if approached by immigration enforcement. You are not required to open your door to ICE without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
- Consult an immigration attorney immediately. If you have any pending immigration matters, old removal orders, criminal history, or uncertain status, do not wait. An experienced attorney can assess your vulnerability and help you build a legal strategy before enforcement occurs.
- Prepare a safety plan for your family. Designate a trusted person to care for your children, gather critical documents (passports, birth certificates, immigration notices), and identify a bail bondsman or immigration attorney in advance.
- Explore your legal options. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for adjustment of status, asylum, cancellation of removal, U visas, VAWA protections, or other forms of relief — even if you have been told otherwise in the past.
- Stay informed but verify your sources. Misinformation spreads rapidly during immigration crises. Rely on trusted legal sources and organizations such as NILC, AILA, and your immigration attorney.
- Do not share personal immigration information on social media or with people you do not fully trust, including employers and landlords.
For anyone who has been injured while navigating dangerous situations related to immigration enforcement — including workplace incidents, traffic accidents during relocation, or other physical harm — our personal injury attorney services may also be available to you regardless of immigration status.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Immigration Case
At Tez Law P.C., Managing Attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) and our dedicated legal team understand that immigration law is not just a legal matter — it is your life, your family, and your future. Based in West Covina, California, we handle immigration cases for clients across the entire United States, providing bilingual support and personalized representation for every stage of the immigration process.
Here is what sets Tez Law P.C. apart:
- Nationwide representation — We serve clients in every state, including those affected by sanctuary policy changes in Maryland, Illinois, Colorado, and beyond.
- Comprehensive immigration services — From family petitions and green cards to removal defense, asylum, DACA renewals, and naturalization.
- Responsive, compassionate counsel — We prioritize clear communication and rapid response during fast-moving legal situations like the current federal enforcement surge.
- Proven experience — Attorney JJ Zhang brings extensive knowledge of both immigration law and the federal court landscape that is now shaping sanctuary jurisdiction battles nationwide.
Do not navigate this alone. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DOJ lawsuit against Maryland mean ICE can now arrest people in sanctuary cities?
Not automatically. The lawsuit is a legal proceeding that must work through the federal courts — no immediate change in the law has occurred as of July 2026. Maryland’s Community Trust Act remains in effect while litigation is pending unless a court issues an injunction ordering otherwise. However, the political climate and legal uncertainty may cause some local agencies to voluntarily increase cooperation with ICE. You should consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation regardless of where you live.
I live outside Maryland — does this lawsuit affect me?
Yes, potentially. This lawsuit is part of a nationwide federal campaign to challenge sanctuary policies in over 20 jurisdictions. A federal court ruling — especially if it reaches the U.S. Supreme Court — could establish binding precedent that applies to sanctuary laws in every state. Even if your state is not currently being sued, the outcome of the Maryland case could directly impact your local protections. Tez Law P.C. represents clients across all 50 states and can advise you on how evolving federal policy affects your immigration status.
What is an ICE detainer and do I have to comply with one?
An ICE detainer (Form I-247A) is a written request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking a local jail or law enforcement agency to hold an individual for up to 48 additional hours beyond their scheduled release so ICE can take custody. ICE detainers are civil requests — not criminal warrants — and individuals are generally not required to waive their rights. Under sanctuary policies like Maryland’s Community Trust Act, local agencies are prohibited from honoring these detainers. However, if a court invalidates such policies, local agencies could begin complying. Speak with an immigration attorney immediately if you or a family member has received or may receive a detainer.
The DOJ’s July 2026 lawsuit against Maryland is a watershed moment in the ongoing legal battle over immigration enforcement in America. Whether you live in a sanctuary city or not, the outcome of this case will affect the rights and safety of millions of immigrants nationwide. Do not wait for the courts to decide your fate. Take control of your immigration situation today by reaching out to a trusted, experienced legal team. Contact Tez Law P.C. now for a free consultation and let us help you protect what matters most.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.