Maryland Sheriffs Lobby Washington for Federal Immigration Cooperation Bill

Maryland sheriffs are traveling to Washington, D.C., on March 6, 2026, to advocate for the passage of federal bill H.R. 7640. Sponsored by California Representative Tom McClintock, the legislation proposes amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to mandate that sanctuary jurisdictions cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jeff Gahler, the Harford County Sheriff, is leading the group to counter Maryland state legislation that restricts the ability of local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities. Gahler argues that the state legislature has overstepped its authority by preventing local jurisdictions from making their own enforcement decisions, asserting that such cooperation is essential for public safety.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is expected to join the sheriffs in supporting the resolution. The effort seeks to establish a federal requirement for cooperation that would supersede current state-level limits on local law enforcement activities regarding immigration enforcement.