Montgomery County signs 'Trust Act' to bar most immigration-status inquiries by county staff

Montgomery County officials announced that the county has enacted the Immigrant Protections Act, commonly called the Trust Act, saying the measure will prevent county employees from asking about or investigating a resident’s immigration status except when required by law and will limit county participation in federal immigration enforcement.

The Trust Act was signed by County Executive Mark Elrich on Feb. 20. County Council President Natali Fani González led the council effort and, according to the county’s announcement, the ordinance received full council support. The county described the law as reinforcing that local government will provide services to residents without regard to immigration status except where state or federal law requires otherwise.

Under the ordinance, county employees — including law enforcement — are barred from requesting or investigating immigration status unless a specific legal requirement applies. The law also states the Montgomery County Police will not enforce federal civil immigration law and restricts use of county resources for federal immigration enforcement absent a valid judicial warrant.

County officials and community representatives framed the law as a public-safety measure intended to build trust so residents will report crimes and access services. The county said the policy protects civil rights, strengthens family stability, and seeks to reduce barriers between immigrant communities and local government.

The county’s materials did not include vote tallies, implementing regulations, or an effective-date beyond the signing; the transcript did not specify whether the council appended implementation guidelines or whether the ordinance requires further administrative rules. The county statement said exceptions remain where state or federal law mandates different treatment.