A Maryland sheriff is warning that the states new sanctuary law could put dangerous illegal immigrants back on the streets and leave more American families mourning crimes he says could have been prevented.
“Its just a matter of time,” Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler told Fox News Digital, warning that the restrictions will lead to more crime and more victims.
Gahler delivered the blunt warning after testifying before a House Judiciary subcommittee about Marylands restrictions on cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. He is also leading 16 fellow sheriffs, representing two-thirds of the state, in a lawsuit challenging the Community Trust Act.
The 40-year law enforcement veteran said his greatest fear is that the law will force correctional officers to release an illegal immigrant from jail even after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has flagged that person as a public safety or national security threat.
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Gahler said the law could force jail officials to release an inmate who is otherwise eligible to leave local custody instead of transferring that person directly to ICE.
“I dont want to have to open the jail door and say, Welcome back to Harford County. Go victimize. Lets create some more victims,” he said. “That is insane.”
If someone released under the law commits another crime, Gahler said responsibility would rest with the elected officials who imposed the restrictions.
“So whose hands is it on?” he said. “The politicians.”
Gahler said he testified to give lawmakers a view from the front lines after years of warnings from law enforcement leaders. He accused state officials of understanding the risks but choosing politics over public safety.
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“I think they understand. I think they dont care,” Gahler said. “Those who are on the side of the issue supporting criminal illegal immigration, who voted for this nonsense of ending our agreements and coming up with the Community Trust Act ⦠they do not care.”
“We have a criminal-friendly legislature,” he added. “Its all pro-criminal.”
Gahler pointed to two families in his county whose lives were shattered by illegal immigrant killers.
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