In a sweeping Executive Order on Thursday, the Trump Administration designated more than 500 cities, counties and states across the country as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
According to the Executive Order, ” Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities.”
Montgomery County was among 8 of the 23 Maryland counties named in the order. Ten Maryland cities including Rockville and Takoma Park were also listed.
County Executive Marc Elrich stated the following in an online document on Thursday, “We are not in violation of federal law, and we will not be making changes based on political headlines. Montgomery County has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving violent crimes, serious felonies, and threats to public safety. That has been and remains our policy.”
Midday Friday, Council President Kate Stewart weighed in on the classification, “The County Council has repeatedly emphasized upholding our values and our commitment to support the rights of our residents in our diverse community, most recently adopting a $7.6 billion operating budget and addressing our community needs. We stand with the County Executive’s recent statement and direct residents to that statement to access the resources available to them. We also encourage residents in need of support to visit the Council’s United in Service and Support webpage and biweekly webinars for additional resources available in our community.”
