Montgomery County police urge Spanish-speaking residents to report crimes, reassure on immigration status
Summary
At a Spanish-language briefing at department headquarters, spokesperson Mariela León urged residents not to be afraid to report crimes, provided emergency and nonemergency contact numbers (911 and 301-279-8000), and said officers will not ask about immigration status; she also warned against drunk driving during celebrations.
Mariela León, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Police Department, urged Spanish-speaking residents at the department’s headquarters to report crimes and said officers will not ask about an individual’s immigration status.
León told listeners, "No tengan miedo, no quédense en silencio, hablen, llámenos," and gave emergency and nonemergency contact options, including 911 and 301-279-8000. She emphasized the department’s availability to protect and assist residents regardless of immigration status.
The reassurance was aimed at reducing fear that community members — particularly those without legal status — might avoid reporting crimes. León stated the department “no le va a preguntar por su estatus migratorio,” saying the county police do not enforce federal immigration laws and asking residents not to remain silent because of immigration concerns.
León provided specific reporting options for people who know of domestic violence, saying witnesses need not wait to report; they can call, file a report in person, or request that an officer come to the home. She also urged residents celebrating with alcohol to plan safe rides and not drive if they have been drinking.
The department closed the message by reiterating its role in protecting and helping the community and by repeating the contact information for emergencies (911) and the department’s nonemergency number (301-279-8000).
