Talbot Sheriff’s Department, Queen Anne’s County Government State They Have Been Following Federal Law; Will Continue To Do So
After both Talbot and Queen Anne’s County were listed on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website as counties in Maryland that are “self-identified” as sanctuary jurisdictions, each reacted with strong statements against that designation.
Talbot Sheriff Joe Gamble sent the following:
Gamble, who visited the border in Texas as it was being overrun by illegals in 2023, has been very clear in his stance against sanctuary jurisdictions and for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
The Queen Anne’s County Government also made a statement regarding the Inaccurate Sanctuary Jurisdiction Designation from DHS:
Queen Anne’s County Government is aware of a recent designation published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and referenced by outside organizations incorrectly identifying Queen Anne’s County as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction Defying Federal Immigration Law.”
This characterization is wholly inaccurate and misrepresents the policies and actions of Queen Anne’s County Government. Queen Anne’s County has never adopted or endorsed sanctuary policies, nor have we enacted any ordinances or resolutions that would shield individuals in violation of federal immigration law. At no time has the County directed, encouraged, or permitted employees to contravene federal immigration laws.
In response to these erroneous claims, our County Attorney issued a formal letter on January 1, 2025, addressed to the America First Legal Foundation, which has echoed and amplified this misrepresentation. The letter clearly outlines that Queen Anne’s County has not violated any federal immigration law and demands the immediate removal of these false claims from all public platforms and publications. You can read the letter here https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/23346/America-First-Legal-Foundation-Response-to-Sanctuary-letter
We are again actively working with our Federal Delegation to correct this false accusation and ensure that Queen Anne’s County is portrayed accurately and fairly. Our government takes compliance with all applicable laws seriously and remains committed to transparency and accountability.
This is the link to the DHS website. Each state is listed with counties and cities that are “self-identified” as sanctuary jurisdictions. When one clicks on the state name, they can pull down to counties/cities that are designated as sanctuaries.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law | Homeland Security
Here’s what posted at the site regarding Maryland counties and cities:
Even after a cursory look, there are some apparent problems with these lists. First, there are many counties in Maryland which have designated themselves sanctuaries that are not on the list. There are cities which have declared themselves sanctuary cities which are NOT on the cities list. Cities in Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties are not on the list while their counties are erroneously listed. Can they exist in a so called “sanctuary jurisdiction” without being swept up in that designation? In short, it makes no sense.
Apparently, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Department and the Queen Anne’s County Government agree.
Here is the explanation of the lists and how they were created:
Looking back at the letters from the Talbot County Sheriff’s Department and Queen Anne’s County, it would appear that they have actively been compliant with Federal statutes. Again, what’s the deal? Did DHS make a mistake? Were these counties being penalized for being in Maryland, regardless of the fact that they have been compliant with Federal law? If that’s the case, why aren’t ALL Maryland counties listed?
It will be interesting to see the response from DHS. Is this a clerical error? Neither county wants illegals or anyone else to think they are acting as “sanctuary designations.”
Stay tuned for more on this story.
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