Rockville, MD – A growing political battle is unfolding in Montgomery County as the local council moves toward adopting the proposed Trust Act, a measure that would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The legislation, which supporters say will build trust between immigrant communities and police, is drawing sharp criticism from opponents who claim it could make the county a de facto sanctuary jurisdiction.
During a January 13 public session, council members heard hours of testimony from residents and advocacy groups, including CASA of Maryland, urging passage of the bill. The proposal would restrict county employees from inquiring about immigration status and require that federal ICE agents obtain warrants to access county facilities.
Opponents, including the group Help Save Maryland, argue that the legislation will obstruct law enforcement and increase risks to public safety. In a recent statement, the organization accused county leaders of showing “lawless love” to undocumented residents and warned that such policies could prompt intensified immigration enforcement actions.
The debate comes amid a statewide rise in federal immigration activity. According to ICE data, more than 3,300 individuals were detained in Maryland during 2025 — nearly double the total from the prior year. Immigration advocates counter that most of those detained were long-term residents with families and jobs, not violent offenders.
At the state level, lawmakers are also considering the proposed “ICE Breaker Act of 2026,” which would formalize limits on cooperation between local police and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Supporters of the bill say it would protect immigrant rights and reduce fear in immigrant communities. Critics contend that it would encourage lawlessness and hinder cooperation with federal investigations.
CASA of Maryland, the state’s largest immigrant-advocacy organization, has been at the center of both the county and statewide debates. The group recently issued a national statement condemning U.S. military action in Venezuela and calling for diplomatic solutions to global conflicts. CASA leaders said the organization remains focused on protecting immigrant families and ensuring that Maryland continues to uphold principles of inclusion and due process.
Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, who supports the Trust Act, said the measure is about fairness and community trust, not defiance of federal law. “Our goal is to make Montgomery County a place where every resident feels safe engaging with local government,” she said.
Key Points: Montgomery County faces backlash over ‘Trust Act’ as ICE operations expand across Maryland – Rockville
- The Montgomery County Council is advancing the Trust Act, which limits cooperation with ICE.
- Critics warn the policy could lead to increased federal enforcement, while supporters say it protects community trust and immigrant rights.
- Maryland’s proposed statewide sanctuary legislation, the “ICE Breaker Act,” has further intensified the political divide.
