Immigrant-rights group backs Community Trust Act; opponents cite missing impact analyses

At a July 14 public hearing on expedited Bill 29-26, the Community Trust and County Employees Act, advocacy groups and opposing witnesses presented contrasting views on trust between county government and immigrant communities.

Gabriela Rivera testified on behalf of the Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Collective, saying the bill would strengthen residents’ trust in county services and reduce fear that seeking assistance could expose people to immigration enforcement. "When people are too afraid to access food assistance, health services, housing support, or other county resources, the entire community is affected," Rivera said, urging council members not to "water it down."

Esther Wells testified in strong opposition, arguing the bill could effectively prohibit hiring some applicants and criticizing the absence of fiscal and other impact statements. Wells said she was troubled that required analyses — fiscal, climate, racial equity and social justice assessments — were not available and asked the council to hold stakeholder discussions publicly and on the record.

The council closed the hearing after testimony and recorded the views for committee review; a joint work session with relevant committees is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, and submission deadlines were noted in the hearing materials.