County officials detail resources and 'know‑your‑rights' trainings after ICE incidents near schools
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Summary
In response to student questions after recent ICE activity, council leaders and county staff described QR‑coded resource posters at libraries and rec centers, know‑your‑rights trainings, MCPS protocols, community partners (CASA, MOCO IRC) and reiterated that Montgomery County Police do not enforce immigration laws.
Students asked how Montgomery County protects families at risk of immigration enforcement after an ICE‑related incident near an elementary school. County officials and council members described a range of resources, trainings and protocols intended to reduce risk and support affected families.
Council President Kate Stewart introduced Luisa Cardona, assistant chief administrative officer in the County Executive’s office, who described county signage and QR codes at libraries and recreation centers linking to resources, guardianship forms and know‑your‑rights materials. Stewart and other members emphasized that these resources mirror materials MCPS makes available to families.
Councilmember Kristen Mink and others detailed partnerships with community groups and immigrant‑rights organizations. Mink recommended CASA’s phone line for immediate assistance and highlighted trainings for MCPS staff and volunteers; she said county offices and community groups such as MOCO IRC and Students for Asylum & Immigration Rights are providing outreach and support. “We are working to codify that in Montgomery County as well because we wanna be very clear and transparent that that is where we stand here,” Mink said.
Officials also reiterated that the Montgomery County Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws and that schools and certain county facilities are not open to the general public without appropriate access or warrants.
Students were given hotline and organizational contacts and urged to report concerns to MCPS staff or the listed community partners for assistance.
