She assures community members that County will continue to be a welcoming community for all residents
ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 25, 2017—Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro expressed outrage about the executive orders President Trump signed today on immigration that could eviscerate U.S. immigration policies, expand deportations and impact funding for local communities. In addition, Councilmember Navarro reiterated the County’s support for all of its residents.
“I am outraged that President Trump has chosen to single-handedly obliterate protections for many of our residents who are working hard for a better life in our County and in counties and cities across America,” said Councilmember Navarro, who is the first Latina to serve as a Councilmember in Montgomery County. “This type of punitive action has set the tone for the Trump presidency, and it is an affront to our way of life in Montgomery County. His rhetoric has become reality, and we have to stand up for all of our residents.”
Montgomery County has a long history of working to promote community safety and trust among its residents regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or religion. For example, in 2011 Councilmember Navarro spearheaded the passage of a Council resolution to promote public trust in government and law enforcement to ensure that that the federal Secure Communities program was being implemented consistent with its stated purpose. In November 2016, the Council approved a resolution reaffirming community safety and trust and denouncing anti-immigrant activity, racial bias and discrimination.
Montgomery County is known for its diversity. More than 70 percent of students in Montgomery County Public Schools are Hispanic/Latino, African American or multi-racial.
“We will not allow President Trump to turn back the clock on the progress we have made to build trust among people of all races, ethnicities and religions,” said Councilmember Navarro. “Our diversity is our strength. We will not let a culture of fear take hold in our community.”
The Montgomery County Police Department plays no role in enforcing federal immigration law; however, they do cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For example, ICE is notified if individuals they are interested in are being released from County facilities, and the County honors ICE criminal detainers.
To read the full text of Resolution 17-108 on promoting community safety and trust among residents and the County’s law enforcement agencies, go to: http://tinyurl.com/z29lade .
To read the full text of Resolution 18-673 on reaffirming community safety and trust and denouncing anti-immigrant activity, racial bias and discrimination, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, hate speech, hate crimes and harassment in Montgomery County, go to: http://tinyurl.com/gm5h2wp .
Residents in need of legal resources or support services should dial 311 or visit the web page for MC311 at: http://tinyurl.com/72tf9g4 .
# # # #