Montgomery County, Maryland, continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to its diverse communities in the face of ongoing immigration enforcement policies from the Trump administration. The County’s Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) reaffirmed its dedication during a recent virtual information session where local officials, community leaders, and service providers convened to discuss resources, preparedness, and legal protections for immigrants and marginalized groups.
Chief Administrative Officer Richard Madalino emphasized the county’s steadfast support for its immigrant population despite federal funding challenges. He reassured that Montgomery County would not waver in its mission to provide essential resources and protections to all residents, including those affected by shifting immigration policies.
Recognizing the urgency of community concerns, the Office of Community Partnerships outlined several next steps, including organizing house-of-worship-specific training on immigration enforcement protocols, sharing critical legal resources, and strengthening communication between service providers and county departments.
Addressing Immigrants Concern and Law Enforcement Protocols
Captain Jordan Satinsky from the Montgomery County Police Department clarified that MCPD does not participate in federal immigration enforcement and reassured residents that police officers will not ask about immigration status.
Abel Núñez, Executive Director of CARECEN emphasized the need for emergency response planning and the importance of knowing one’s rights when interacting with ICE. He explained the distinctions between administrative and judicial warrants, urging organizations and individuals to remain vigilant and prepared. He also highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to train service providers and community leaders in disseminating “Know Your Rights” information.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
A key concern addressed during the meeting was ensuring language accessibility and service coordination for immigrant communities. Sean Ellis from the Office of Community Partnerships announced initiatives to expand “train-the-trainer” programs for community leaders fluent in languages not currently covered. Additionally, the Montgomery County Food Council and the Office of Food Resiliency committed to providing updated guidance on safe food distribution practices, particularly for undocumented residents facing legal uncertainties.
Trans Maryland’s Executive Director, Lee Blonder, spoke about the unique challenges faced by transgender immigrants, highlighting available support programs, including legal assistance for name and gender marker changes and peer-led support groups. The county reaffirmed its dedication to protecting LGBTQ+ immigrants and providing inclusive resources.
Montgomery County Public Schools reaffirmed their role in supporting immigrant students and families, ensuring schools remain safe spaces free from immigration enforcement actions. The school system continues to provide multilingual resources and legal information for families navigating uncertain immigration policies.
Community members and residents are encouraged to utilize the county’s newly launched incident reporting portal for hate crimes and bias-related incidents, while also remaining engaged, informed, and proactive in supporting vulnerable populations.
For further information, resources, and upcoming training sessions, visit the Office of Community Partnerships website or contact relevant county agencies.
