Maryland Legislative Caucuses Form United Front Following Crossover Deadline to Challenge Federal Immigration and Health Policies

Maryland’s seven legislative caucuses, including the newly formed Muslim Caucus, are advocating for immigration protections and healthcare access as the session nears its end.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Maryland Matters

A Historic Expansion of Legislative Unity

With less than three weeks remaining in the 2026 legislative calendar, Maryland’s diverse caucuses have moved to institutionalize their cooperation under the "We Are Maryland" banner. This year’s advocacy efforts reached a milestone on February 16 with the formal launch of the Legislative Muslim Caucus, chaired by Delegate Sean Stinnett of Baltimore City. Joining the established AAPI, Black, Jewish, Latino, LGBTQ+, and Women’s caucuses, the new group brings the total number of specialized advocacy bodies to seven. Members emphasized that this unified structure ensures that minority voices are no longer just participants in the legislative process but have a permanent "seat at the table" during high-stakes negotiations.

Legislative Momentum After Crossover Day

The joint press conference occurred just twenty-four hours after the Maryland legislature’s "crossover day"—the critical deadline by which a bill must pass its chamber of origin to be guaranteed a hearing in the other. Despite the ticking clock, leaders like Delegate Jared Solomon expressed confidence in their ability to push through remaining priorities. Historically, significant Maryland legislation has been known to pass in the final minutes before the midnight sine die adjournment. The caucuses are currently leveraging their collective voting bloc to ensure their shared agenda items do not stall in committee during the end-of-session rush.

Victories and Challenges in Immigration Reform

A primary focal point for the united caucuses is the protection of immigrant communities from aggressive federal enforcement. The groups recently secured a major victory with the signing of a bill banning 287(g) programs, which previously allowed local law enforcement to act on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Building on this momentum, the caucuses are now championing the Community Trust Act (Senate Bill 791/House Bill 1575). If passed, the act would prohibit local jails and police from detaining individuals based solely on administrative warrants from the Department of Homeland Security, requiring a judicial warrant instead. However, proponents noted that these bills have yet to move out of their respective committees.