Montgomery County leaders addressed growing fears about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area after the signing of the TRUST Act Friday, Feb. 20.
“People have posted that they have seen ICE. I’ll say the majority of those rumors had been false after double checking,” Council President Natali Fani-González said.
She acknowledged that some ICE arrests have occurred, but involved individuals with criminal records.
County officials say the TRUST Act limits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities and strengthens community protections. They have also hosted events to educate residents about their rights.
George Escobar, executive director at We Are CASA says there is “zero transparency” around ICE operations, including who is being detained and where enforcement is happening.
Escobar added that while ICE movements can be unpredictable, local laws can prevent collaboration between county police and federal agents, and restrict the use of local infrastructure for immigration enforcement. The Trust Act, he said, also allows advocates to challenge violations in court.
In response to similar concerns raised nationwide, ICE officials have said its enforcement actions are focused on individuals who pose public safety threats or have final removal orders, emphasizing that operations are conducted under federal law.
Supporters say the law also reassures Montgomery County students who have organized walkouts amid fears of deportation and family separation, sending a message that local government stands with immigrant communities while balancing public safety.
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