Montgomery County Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink introduced two bills on Tuesday, January 20, addressing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the county and held a joint press conference with fellow councilmembers, community members, and advocacy organizations.
The proposals were introduced during the Council’s morning session and followed by public remarks from elected officials and residents describing recent ICE encounters and their effects on local communities.
One proposal, the County Values Act, would establish new rules governing ICE access to county-owned or operated facilities, including requiring a judicial warrant for entry into nonpublic areas, banning immigration enforcement activity in county parking lots and similar spaces, and requiring staff training and reporting procedures. The second proposal, the Unmask ICE Act, would prohibit masking by law enforcement officers operating in Montgomery County, including ICE agents, with limited exceptions for public health or operational needs. Both bills have multiple council co-sponsors.
During the press conference, councilmembers and community speakers described concerns about transparency, accountability, and the impact of ICE operations on immigrant families, students, and access to public services. Speakers emphasized that fear of enforcement actions can discourage residents from attending school, reporting crimes, or using county resources, while supporters of the legislation argued the measures are intended to reinforce local policies, improve trust in government, and clarify how county facilities and staff respond to federal immigration enforcement activity.
