Montgomery County police outline outreach, say department does not participate in federal 287(g) program

Montgomery County Police officers told the Advisory Commission on Policing on March 3 that the county has not joined the federal 287(g) program and is keeping immigration enforcement at the federal level while expanding community outreach to immigrant residents.

Captain Jordan Satinsky, the department’s outgoing ex‑officio member to the commission, said the police department “has never participated” in 287(g) deputization and that most immigration matters are administrative and handled by federal authorities. He added that the county Department of Corrections may notify federal immigration authorities in some cases involving serious crimes. “If it turns out...it's administrative only, they're gonna be turned away at the door and there's nothing they can do,” Satinsky said, describing the department’s practice for school visits by federal officers.

The department’s Hispanic community liaison, Mariela Leon, described a range of outreach activities aimed at reducing fear and improving reporting among immigrants. She said the department has moved many sessions online because of community concerns: one Zoom session this week drew 48 residents, and Leon said she received about 60 calls in the prior two weeks. Leon described regular monthly programs including a newcomer orientation that has grown from about 14 participants at launch to more than 100 registered for the current cohort (33 attendees after a cut‑off), a Latino liaison committee for community leaders, and the Hispanic Community Academy (attendance by year: 17 in 2022, 24 in 2023, 28 last year, and 33 currently).

Captain Kathy Estrada, who will assume command of the Community Engagement Division later this month, said the department is already communicating about U visas and working with nonprofit partners such as Catholic Charities and the Gilchrist Center to connect residents to services. Jennifer Mata of the Gilchrist Center joined a recent session to explain available support and referral processes.

Officials also described how school safety officers and central school security staff coordinate when outside law enforcement identify themselves at Montgomery County public schools; the county's SRO will contact department command and central security and the matter is evaluated for criminal indicators.

Commissioners asked whether recent federal policy changes have reduced cooperation from immigrant communities. Satinsky and Leon said it was too early to detect a measurable change in patrol cooperation but noted heightened fear among newcomers; Leon said outreach and education for “newcomers” and new parents is a particular focus to explain 911, nonemergency numbers and reporting options.

The presentation emphasized that the county’s outreach is multilingual and tailored to community needs; Leon said the department has been able to arrange interpreters or multilingual officers for sessions when needed.

Commission members thanked Satinsky on his promotion and welcomed Captain Estrada. Leon and department staff encouraged community groups to request visits, and Leon offered to share a referral form and contact information via email and the commission chat.