Commissioners briefed on county 'Trust Act' bill codifying non‑cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

Commissioners discussed a county "Trust Act" bill that would codify existing Montgomery County policy limiting local participation in federal immigration enforcement and clarifying that county departments do not ask for immigration status.

A member said the bill will be introduced the next day and is slated for a public hearing Jan. 13; it will be assigned to a joint Government Operations/Public Safety work session and is expected to move quickly as part of the county's expedited legislative calendar.

A staff speaker explained the policy's history: County Executive Elrich issued an executive order when he took office in 2019 directing county agencies not to collaborate with immigration enforcement in a way that would deter residents from accessing county services. The speaker said most detainers that have come to local attention have been civil rather than criminal and that the county does not hold people past their release solely for immigration detainers, but will notify ICE for certain convictions (for example, homicide, robbery) where probable cause exists.

The speaker also noted the bill's reach beyond public safety to ensure county access to health and human services without immigration‑status inquiries. Commission members agreed to review the bill text and some offered to prepare suggested comments or testimony for the January public hearing.