Maryland Gov. Wes Moore orders immigrant task force; critics question effect

Tinashe Chingarande, Baltimore Sun on Jun 5, 2026

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BALTIMORE — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Friday created a task force that studies scams targeting immigrants and recommends strategies to prevent them. But analysts say the governor’s actions don’t do much beyond symbolically supporting immigrant rights.

The governor signed an executive order creating the 12-month-long Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force, claiming there’s a rise in schemes preying on immigrants’ fears of being detained by law enforcement.

This is the first action the governor has taken on immigration policy without the General Assembly’s approval. The Community Trust Act became law last week, prohibiting local law enforcement from inquiring about a detainee’s citizenship or immigration status, among other things. A lawmaker-approved ban on local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE also took effect in February.

In a news release, Moore claimed predatory activity “distorts markets, impedes fair competition, and diminishes the safety and security of all Marylanders.”

“Our immigrant communities contribute to the greatness of Maryland,” said Moore. “I have made it clear that we will not stand by while bad actors prey on immigrants in our communities. In forming this task force, we are demonstrating the unity and strength of our state when we join together against injustice.”

Political analysts say Moore’s order is a symbolic declaration of support, but doesn’t achieve tangible results.

“It’s the most he can do on his own (while having) the force of government legitimacy,” Matthew Crenson, professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins University, told The Baltimore Sun. “A press conference (or) video clip doesn’t have the legitimacy of government behind it. It’s just a PR.”

The Baltimore Sun asked Moore’s office why he didn’t create the task force through legislation passed by the General Assembly. Moore’s office did not return a request for comment by the publication deadline.

Task force members will include representatives from: the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Comptroller, Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Budget and Management, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, as well as the Office of Bar Counsel, and the Office of the State Prosecutor.

According to the governor’s order, the task force should submit an initial report by July 15 with findings based on testimony from immigrants and advocates, research, and additional input from governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Thereafter, the group should submit a final report by May 31, 2027, on strategies state agencies can take to protect immigrant Marylanders, such as outreach and education, investigations and enforcement, among other things.

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