MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A proposed Montgomery County, Maryland, bill is sparking debate over immigration policy, public trust, and whether local governments should consider a person’s federal employment history when making hiring decisions.
The Community Trust in County Employees Act, introduced by Montgomery County Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Will Jawando, would place restrictions on who can be hired for certain county positions that directly serve the public.
Supporters say the measure is designed to build trust among residents, particularly immigrant communities. Critics argue it could unfairly target former federal employees based on their previous work.
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday.
If approved, the bill would prevent people who worked for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after October 2025 from being hired into certain county positions involving direct interaction with the public.
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The proposal would also apply to employees of other federal agencies who spent more than six months enforcing federal immigration laws.
Supporters of the legislation argue that residents should feel confident accessing county services without fear or concern about their immigration status.
Jawando said the legislation comes as local leaders respond to broader immigration policy debates and what he described as a need to protect immigrant residents.
“I wish we didn’t have to put these pieces of legislation forward, I wish we didn’t have to play the aggressive defense that we are having to play to protect the one third of our residents who are foreign born”
Opponents of similar policies argue employment decisions should be based on qualifications and experience, not whether someone previously worked for a federal agency.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis criticized Maryland leaders over immigration-related policies, saying:
“This is pathetic that our government, our general assembly, that they have turned their backs on not just the American people it specifically all Marylanders”
The debate comes as Maryland’s immigration policies face a separate legal challenge.
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the state over its so-called sanctuary policies, arguing state laws limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials. Maryland officials have defended their policies, saying they are intended to protect residents and maintain trust between communities and law enforcement.
The Montgomery County Council will hear public testimony on the proposed hiring restrictions before the measure moves through the legislative process.
If passed, the bill would become one of the latest local immigration-related policies drawing attention as communities across the country debate the role of local governments in immigration enforcement.
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