A recent letter from the National Association of Counties (NACo) to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requests an explanation of sanctuary jurisdictions list, citing concerns around the legal challenges that local detention centers face when complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.
Last week, NACo, along with the National League of Cities (NLC), and the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), requested additional clarification on the methodology used to create a recent sanctuary jurisdiction list that has since been removed from the DHS website. The request comes after more than one month of no further communication from DHS following their announcement designating a list of Maryland counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
The NACo letter asking for clarification noted concerns around the legal challenges that localities face when complying with ICE detainer requests.
From the letter:
While we understand the list has been temporarily removed, we are concerned that DHS leadership has stated it remains active and subject to change.
The request to DHS from NACo, IMLA, and NLC:
1. Clearly publish the standards and criteria used to determine sanctuary jurisdiction designations;
2. Establish and communicate an appeal or review process for jurisdictions to contest their
designation; and
3. Provide guidance on how DHS is treating jurisdictions that have obtained judicial relief related to Executive Order 14159.
Next week NACo will be hosting their annual conference in Philadelphia with two discussions concerning immigration enforcement on the schedule, including a meeting of the Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs. County officials, federal partners, and policy experts are expected to discuss the latest developments on immigration reform, learn about the impacts of immigration on local governments and communities and share best practices in migrant services.
As covered previously on Conduit Street, recent debates in the Maryland General Assembly contemplated similar concerns from democrat and republican members. Pending other US Supreme Court rulings, including Uthmeier v. Florida Immigrant Coalition, and any additional executive actions, state legislators in Maryland will potentially revisit previously considered legislation during the 2026 legislative session.