A Maryland sheriff warns that the state’s new sanctuary law risks releasing illegal immigrants who could pose dangers to local communities. Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, from Harford County, expressed concerns to Fox News Digital about potential increases in crime due to these restrictions. He recently testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee to highlight Maryland’s limitations on cooperating with federal immigration authorities. These efforts coincide with a lawsuit involving 16 sheriffs against the Community Trust Act.
Gahler, an experienced law enforcement officer with 40 years in the field, fears that the new law may compel correctional officers to free illegal immigrants despite ICE identifying them as threats to public safety or national security. He emphasized his worries, stating the restrictions might make officials release inmates eligible for release, preventing direct transfers to ICE.
“It’s a matter of time before more victims are created,” said Gahler. He attributes possible future offenses to politicians mandating these constraints. Gahler referenced two families in Harford County affected by crimes involving illegal immigrants.
Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother, was raped and murdered in 2023. Her killer, Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, entered the U.S. illegally and received a life sentence without parole. Another victim, Kayla Hamilton, was murdered by Walter Javier Martinez, a suspected MS-13 member, in 2022. He received a life sentence, with some years suspended.
Nobody from state authority reached out to the victims’ families, says Gahler. This lack of contact spurred his believe that support for the new policies prioritizes politics over safety.
The Community Trust Act restricts Maryland authorities from questioning individuals about immigration status, limits their detention beyond civil violations, and restrains notifying ICE regarding custody situations. Governor Wes Moore permitted it to become law without signing it.
Gahler and fellow sheriffs argue these limitations disrupt a previous jail-based partnership with ICE under the federal 287(g) program. This program facilitated safe transfers for detained criminal offenders, which, he contends, avoids a need for riskier arrest situations later.
The sheriff indicated that political dynamics influence opposition to cooperation with federal enforcement. Maryland and California, in his view, engage in legislative decisions favoring offenders over victims.
The state is moving away from lessons learned after the 9/11 attacks about crucial communication between agencies, according to Gahler, endangering public safety.
Sheriffs continue to challenge these policies in court. Gahler hopes to prevent more families from experiencing loss due to crimes committed by illegal immigrants.