With the message that immigrants can trust Montgomery County, local leaders took what they called a major step to protect immigrant residents, signing the Immigrant Protection Act at a public event in Wheaton Friday.
County Executive Marc Elrich, joined by Council President Natali Fani-González and several council members, stood alongside local authorities, immigration rights groups and civil society representatives for the bill signing.
Elrich said the measure is necessary amid concerns about increased federal immigration enforcement.
“Things are going to get worse with ICE,” Elrich said. He added that he believes the limited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the county, so far, is because the agency “has been understaffed.”
Fani-González called the legislation a reflection of the county’s values.
“I think it’s important to put into a law what our actions are, what our values are, now more than ever,” she said.
The bill clarifies that Montgomery County police do not enforce federal civil immigration law and limits the use of county resources in federal immigration actions without a judicial warrant.
The measure passed unanimously, with all council members speaking in support and emphasizing that the county aims to protect residents regardless of immigration status.
Council member Kristin Mink said many residents are facing difficult times. She said she has met with people who described being detained on their way to work or while attending immigration appointments.
George Escobar, executive director of We are CASA, said local protections are critical.
“At CASA every day we hear stories about people being deported, people being separated from their families, mothers and fathers being placed in unhealthy detention facilities,” Escobar said. Laws like this, he said, are intended to prevent such situations.
Amid criticism of its operations nationwide, ICE has said its officers prioritize individuals who pose public safety or national security threats and that its detention facilities are subject to federal standards and oversight.
County leaders said the goal of the new law is to promote trust and ensure that all residents feel safe seeking services and support.
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