This week, Montgomery County Councilmembers Will Jawando (At-Large) and Kristin Mink (District 5) introduced two new bills to protect immigrant rights:
The Unmask ICE Act would prohibit masking by all law enforcement with exceptions only for public heath reasons and key operational needs. Community leaders spoke about masking being used as a fear tactic, and the racially-motivated history of masking in law enforcement in our country. Jawando said “if you’re hiding your face, it’s because you’re doing something wrong. It’s not honorable. It’s not right.” He also asserted that this is not a radical proposal, and that prior to 2025, ICE did their jobs without masks.
The County Values Act would require a judicial warrant to allow ICE entry into non-public areas, and would prohibit ICE activities in parking lots and garages. This one is particularly personal for bill sponsor, Kristin Mink, following her own encounter with ICE agents in a parking lot back in November 2025. Mink said the goal is to get “all our ducks in row” to be prepared for whatever happens next, following tragic and increasingly threatening ICE incidents around the country.
Through these proposals, the Montgomery County Council sends a clear message that they stand with the county’s diverse immigrant community, and will not be complicit with “unlawful” and “immoral” ICE tactics. Stay tuned as we follow the progression of these bills.
Read more: Press Release
