A proposed bill in Montgomery County aims to restrict the involvement of county agents and resources in civil immigration law enforcement while prohibiting discriminatory practices against immigrants.
The Montgomery County Council is set to review new legislation designed to clarify the county’s function in immigration enforcement matters.
Council President Natali Fani-González unveiled the Trust Act at a press conference held on Thursday.
“When we commit to supporting immigrants, we demonstrate that commitment through meaningful action. This is more than just rhetoric; it’s about real change,” Fani-González stated.
Alongside Fani-González, notable county officials and immigration advocates, including Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada, voiced their support for the legislation.
“This bill essentially formalizes practices already adopted by the Montgomery County Police Department, both in terms of policy and execution,” Yamada clarified. “I want to emphasize that the Montgomery County Police Department has never enforced immigration law and will continue not to do so.”
The proposed legislation is poised to restrict the utilization of county agents and resources for civil immigration law enforcement and to prohibit discriminatory practices targeting foreign nationals and immigrants.
“Our commitment to enforcing criminal laws in Montgomery County remains steadfast,” Fani-González added. “Public safety is a priority for us.”
Council member Will Jawando, whose parents immigrated from Nigeria, highlighted that nearly 45% of the county’s residents are either immigrants or children of immigrants.
“We all seek the same goal: to lead fulfilling lives. When one of us faces challenges, it affects us all,” Jawando remarked.
County Executive Marc Elrich expressed his endorsement of the bill, stating that it would solidify his executive order from 2019.
“This ensures that a future county executive cannot simply issue a different order that could nullify this one,” Elrich explained. “By codifying this, we provide a sense of permanence and security that is crucial.”
Council member Evan Glass shared concerns regarding the current state of federal immigration policies.
“Far too many of our neighbors are living in fear,” he expressed.
Personal Accounts
Seventeen-year-old Tracy Espinoza, a senior at Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg, recounted during the press conference her family’s experience, where a relative was detained during an appointment regarding their legal status.
“Many of us come from migrant backgrounds ourselves,” Espinoza shared. “We have a deep concern for our fellow students who are enduring traumatic experiences when they should only be focusing on their studies and college applications.”
Espinoza noted that a significant portion of her school’s population is Hispanic, forming a supportive community where she can openly discuss her feelings.
“Having that space to share and express my concerns as a student has been invaluable for me,” she said. “Unfortunately, not every student has access to that kind of support, which I’m keenly aware of.”
George Escobar, the executive director of CASA, an organization advocating for immigration rights, stated the necessity of this law amid “unprecedented times.”
He drew attention to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with CASA lawyers persistently working to challenge his removal orchestrated during President Donald Trump’s administration.
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