County executive hits Trump admin over sanctuary jurisdiction designation

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to target sanctuary jurisdictions in the U.S., accusing the administration of attempting to criminalize immigrants and instill fear in communities. This comes in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released on Thursday.

In a statement, Elrich emphasized that Montgomery County is not in violation of federal law and has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving violent crimes, serious felonies, and threats to public safety. He made it clear that the county’s policy of collaboration with ICE in such cases remains unchanged.

Elrich condemned the administration’s actions as an attempt to stigmatize and target immigrant communities, rather than focusing on public safety. He asserted that Montgomery County does not govern by fear, but by law and values.

The issue of immigration enforcement was highlighted by ICE’s recent arrest of an MS-13 gang member in Montgomery County. The arrest raised concerns as the Montgomery County Detention Center had failed to honor immigration detainers for the individual on multiple occasions, including just last month. The individual had a prior felony conviction and validated gang membership.

Acknowledging the error, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Director Ben Stevenson took responsibility for the oversight, stating that the county failed to notify and coordinate with ICE as required. Despite this mistake, Stevenson reiterated the county’s commitment to cooperating with ICE in cases involving individuals convicted of violent crimes, gang members, drug traffickers, and other felony offenses.

Elrich admitted during a media briefing that the county had made a mistake in this particular case, emphasizing that it was not a deliberate policy decision to release the individual. The incident underscored the challenges faced by jurisdictions caught between federal immigration enforcement directives and local policies.

The Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement has led to increased scrutiny of sanctuary jurisdictions and efforts to increase deportations. As the administration continues to prioritize immigration control, counties like Montgomery are grappling with how to balance federal mandates with local priorities and values.

In conclusion, Montgomery County’s response to being labeled a sanctuary jurisdiction reflects the broader debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of immigrant communities. As the county navigates these challenges, it remains committed to upholding the law while protecting the rights and safety of all residents.