MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A proposed bill in Montgomery County, Maryland, has ignited discussions surrounding immigration policy, public trust, and the appropriateness of factoring federal employment history into local hiring decisions.
The County Employees Community Trust Act, introduced by Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Will Jawando, seeks to impose restrictions on hiring for specific county roles that involve direct public service.
Proponents argue that the initiative is designed to foster trust within the community, particularly among immigrant populations. Conversely, detractors contend that it may unjustly discriminate against former federal employees based solely on their prior roles.
A public hearing to evaluate the proposal is set for Tuesday.
If enacted, the bill would bar individuals who have held positions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since October 2025 from occupying certain county roles that require direct engagement with the public.
The legislation would also extend to employees from other federal agencies who have dedicated over six months to enforcing federal immigration laws.
Advocates of the bill assert that it is essential for residents to access county services without fear or apprehension regarding their immigration status.
Jawando highlighted that the bill emerged from a broader dialogue about immigration policy and a commitment to safeguarding immigrant communities. He expressed his reluctance to introduce such measures, noting the need for strong defenses to protect the significant proportion of foreign-born residents.
Critics of similar policies argue that hiring should prioritize qualifications and experience rather than individuals’ previous employment with federal agencies.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis has criticized Maryland’s leadership on immigration, alleging that the state’s General Assembly is neglecting the interests of both the nation and Maryland residents.
This debate coincides with Maryland facing additional challenges to its immigration policies. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state regarding its sanctuary policy, claiming that it restricts collaboration between local governments and federal immigration enforcement. State officials have defended their stance, asserting that their policies are aimed at protecting residents and strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement.
The Montgomery County Legislature will gather public testimony concerning the proposed employment restrictions before the bill progresses through the legislative process. Should it pass, this bill would contribute to the growing scrutiny of local immigration-related policies as the role of local governments in immigration enforcement continues to be a contentious topic nationwide.
