Press Releases

 “As an immigrant who came to this country as a teenager and faced the threat of deportation, I know firsthand the fear many families live with,” said Council President Fani-González. “Montgomery County is my home—a place where I’ve raised my family. Here, we believe in treating everyone with dignity, no matter where they were born, the color of their skin, who they love, or the language they speak. This bill reflects those values.” 

Building on existing County policies, the Trust Act establishes strong civil rights protections by prohibiting County employees from requesting or investigating a person’s immigration status unless required by law, barring intimidation, and discrimination based on perceived status, and guaranteeing that County services and opportunities are not denied because of immigration status except as required by law. It also limits the use of County resources in federal civil immigration enforcement, ensuring that staff, equipment and County facilities are not used for civil immigration actions without a valid judicial warrant or bona fide criminal law enforcement purpose.  

“This legislation is urgently needed because we are facing a wanton, exclusive, cruel, and, frankly, illegal federal immigration regime that is ripping families apart without due process across the country and right here in Montgomery County,” said Fani-González.  

“These measures are about transparency, safety and trust. We know from history that our County thrives when we welcome immigrants and work together to build stronger communities. Reactionary policies that push people into the shadows don’t work—and they contradict our values,” Fani-González continued. 

While the County cannot determine the federal immigration policy, this new legislation codifies that County resources and processes promote a welcoming and inclusive community, regardless of immigration status. 

The legislation does not change the County’s approach to criminal law enforcement. Montgomery County Police will continue to enforce all criminal laws and the State’s Attorney will retain full authority to prosecute those cases. Those who commit crimes in Montgomery County will continue to be held accountable through the justice system. Consistent with current policy, the County will continue narrowly circumscribed cooperation with federal immigration officials on cases involving serious, violent crime. 

“ICE threatens our families daily, and the Trust Act is one of the most critical things the county can do to push back,” said George Escobar, CASA Incoming Executive Director. “We’re grateful to Councilmember Fani-González for taking this stand. Our community is strong, organized, and ready to fight to keep each other safe.” 

“Every day, immigrant workers – our cleaners, our caregivers, the people who build our homes and fix our roads – the people who constitute the very backbone of our country– live in the shadow of ICE threats. The Trust Act is one of the strongest tools our county has to protect our neighbors: families who simply want to live and work in peace,” said Francisco Romero, 32BJ At-Large Executive Board Member. “We applaud Councilmember Fani-González for her leadership and her courage. Our union is united, our members are resilient, and we will never stop fighting to make sure every family in our community is safe and treated with dignity.”

The entire Council has sponsored this legislation. It is supported by the County Executive, the Montgomery County Police Department, and a multitude of organizations that serve the community, including CASA, ACLU, 32BJ SEIU, JUFJ, and many more.

“Our values and commitment to the immigrant community have not and will not change,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This legislation will codify what we have been doing as a practice for years now. I am glad that this Council wants to put this into law so that some future County Executive cannot abrogate this principle. Our work and this bill sends an important message that we do not support the immigrant bashing or the destruction of due process.”

“Montgomery County Police Department has not and does not enforce immigration law. That is a federal responsibility,” Police Chief Marc Yamada said. “We dedicate our local resources to crime prevention, crime solving and constitutional policing. In order to be effective, we need all members to trust local law enforcement and to help us prevent crime or other dangerous situations they observe. This legislation helps build that trust.”

“Thank you to Council President Fani-González for spearheading this legislation,” Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe said. “It is so important for the Montgomery County Council to stand together to let our residents know that we are here to support them. At this very difficult point in time, it is more urgent than ever to promote trust between all of government and government agencies and the people who live and work in Montgomery County. I am pleased to be part of this effort.”

“I wholeheartedly stand with our immigrant community. Montgomery County is strongest when every resident feels safe and protected — regardless of their immigration status. No resident deserves to live with fear,” said Councilmember Evan Glass. “Passing the Trust Act is an essential safeguard to the chaos and confusion being created by the federal government.”

“As the son of a Nigerian immigrant, this is personal to me,” Councilmember Will Jawando said. “My father came to this country believing America would judge him by his character, not his birthplace. The Trust Act upholds that promise for every family in Montgomery County—whether they came from Nigeria or Nicaragua, Ethiopia or El Salvador, Ukraine or Vietnam.”

“We are witnessing an administration where cruelty is the point—families torn apart, neighbors living in fear, children terrified their parents won't come home. The Trust Act says Montgomery County will not be compliant. When they come for one of us, they come for all of us,” Jawando continued.

“All Montgomery County residents deserve to experience safety and security in their homes, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces equally,” Councilmember Dawn Luedtke said. “We are one Montgomery County, and the Trust Act is meant to ensure our neighbors know we will stand up for their rights, insist on due process, and that our outstanding police department will continue its service to one and all.” 

“We’ve lost students, parents, neighbors and friends. I’ve seen people surrounded and disappeared while walking out of McDonald’s with breakfast, and empty cars with coffee still hot,” Councilmember Kristin Mink said. “Instead of bake sales, PTAs are walking kids to school so their parents don’t get kidnapped. So no, we will not do favors, things not required by law, for people terrorizing our community, even if they are with the federal government, and I’m glad we are codifying that in Montgomery County.” 

“At a time when access to personal information has become unnecessarily contentious, I thank Council President Fani-González for introducing this timely legislation to keep our County united in protecting residents’ privacy and safety,” Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles said. “As a cosponsor of the Trust Act, I’m proud to stand with our immigrant neighbors, who call this County home, trust their government to safeguard their information, and contribute every day to its vibrancy and growth.”

“The Promoting Community Trust - Immigrant Protections Act strengthens protections for our immigrant communities, reassures our residents that Montgomery County will stand with them amidst the unconstitutional and cruel attacks by the federal administration, and ensures that County resources are available for them and not used against them,” Councilmember Kate Stewart said.  

The bill will be formally introduced during the Council’s Dec. 9 meeting with a public hearing scheduled in January.