Joint Statement from County Executive Marc Elrich and Council President Nancy Navarro
Montgomery County values its diverse community that is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and nations. We want to assure our residents that the County will continue to be a welcoming community for all.
The president’s recent assertion that he will instruct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities to raid or round up immigrants has, once again, caused concern, fear and disruption in our community. This type of punitive action has become routine for the Trump administration, and we will continue to protect the civil rights of our community members.
Assertions like this make it more difficult for local law enforcement departments to build trust with the people they are charged to serve and protect. We want the residents of Montgomery County to know that our law enforcement and other support agencies will continue to follow local laws, rules and regulations. As a matter of policy, we do not inquire about anyone's immigration status, nor do we conduct immigration raids or investigations. We also encourage residents to seek help from organizations that provide legal assistance and advice, so individuals will know their rights if they are stopped or detained by ICE.
Each day County leaders are working together to make Montgomery County a more equitable and inclusive community. The president’s statements are counter to our vision and seek to erode all the work we have done, and are doing, to build trust in immigrant communities and to make our diverse County the most inclusive jurisdiction in the country. We cannot and we will not let this trust be destroyed.