Montgomery County Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink introduced two bills aimed at limiting ICE operations in the county. Bill 3-26, the County Values Act, mandates warrants for ICE entry to non-public county areas, posts signs denying ICE access, restricts enforcement in county parking lots and vacant properties, and prompts staff to report ICE activity, with Mink stating, "The County Values Act is about ensuring we are making it as difficult as possible for ICE to access and operate on County property," according to the Montgomery County.
Bill 5-26, the Unmask ICE Act, would require transparency by prohibiting law enforcement from masking unless for public health or operational needs, with Jawando emphasizing, "safety requires trust, and trust requires transparency." Community members highlighted the bills' importance, noting ICE’s impact on trust and daily life, with support from students and advocacy groups who said, "these bills send a clear message: Montgomery County will not be complicit in fear, intimidation or abuse," as reported by the Montgomery County.
Montgomery County councilmembers discussed proposed laws aimed at protecting immigrant residents. Councilmember Kate Stewart said, "As federal agents invade our neighborhoods kidnapping people off our streets," and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles said, "The Trust Act, Values Act, and Unmask ICE Act are vital steps to protect our residents and guarantee access to essential services without fear," in a county press release. The laws would limit federal immigration enforcement in the county.
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