Immigration enforcement legislation (County Values Act, ICE Out Act, Unmask ICE Act)
Montgomery County
Summary
Two bills would require the county to publish guidance on immigration enforcement at county facilities and ban law enforcement agents from wearing masks in the county. Dozens of residents, students, and clergy testified about family separation and fear of ICE; no votes yet — worksessions come in March.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct fiscal figures were cited, though staffing and signage requirements in the County Values Act would add duties for county departments.
Immigrant families and county residents who use county services would gain clearer protections and transparency from law enforcement.
Federal immigration agencies would face new limits on their operations within county facilities.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Council Session - Apr 21, 2026
The council unanimously enacted a ban on county permits for privately-owned detention facilities, aligning with new state law. In practice, this blocks private immigration detention centers from operating in Montgomery County.
ECON Committee Worksession - Apr 10, 2026
A bill would add review steps before the county can issue building permits for an immigration detention facility. The committee recommended it as introduced after a 2-2 tie failed on an amendment requiring federal law compliance documentation. The full Council votes April 21.
Council Session - Mar 24, 2026
Expedited Bill 13-26 would bar the county from issuing building or occupancy permits for privately owned immigration detention facilities. Dozens of residents, students, and faith leaders testified in support; the record stays open until April 2.
Council Session - Mar 3, 2026
Two bills would require the county to publish guidance on immigration enforcement at county facilities and ban law enforcement agents from wearing masks in the county. Dozens of residents, students, and clergy testified about family separation and fear of ICE; no votes yet — worksessions come in March.
Council Session - Jan 20, 2026
Two bills would restrict immigration enforcement locally: the County Values Act requires judicial warrants for ICE to enter non-public county facilities, and the Unmask ICE Act bars law enforcement from masking. Both were introduced with broad sponsorship.
Montgomery County removed from federal ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ list
Montgomery County removed from federal ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ list Bethesda Magazine
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Montgomery County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.