ROCKVILLE — Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed four immigration-related bills into law in Rockville. Three of the bills took effect immediately upon being signed.

The Montgomery County Values Act directs the county executive to develop and publish guidance for all county agencies, prohibits the use of county-owned parking lots and properties as staging areas or processing locations for civil immigration enforcement, and creates a public reporting mechanism for violations. The Trust Act prohibits county employees and agencies from asking or collecting information on an individual’s immigration status. Bill 5-26, the Unmask ICE Act, bars any law enforcement agency, with some exceptions, from wearing masks in the course of their duties. Bill 13-26, the ICE Out Act, bars the county from issuing building permits or occupancy permits for privately owned detention facilities.

“We’re here to help you and not put obstacles in your way,” Elrich said. Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González said local law enforcement supported the Trust Act “because they understand that in order for the police to do their job, people need to feel safe and trust police officers.” She added, “I’m proud that they have been with us 100%.”

“Over 30% of the people who live in this county, they’re immigrants, just like me,” Fani-González said. Montgomery County Council member Kristin Mink, who sponsored the Values Act, said ICE staging in parking lots “has been happening since before I wrote the bill, and it was the reason I wrote the bill.” She added, “We know that ICE stages in parking lots, both county and nonpublic parking lots.”

Bill 14-26, sponsored by Council member Kate Stewart, broadens the documentation a family or household member would need to release a vehicle impounded after an occupant was taken into custody. The measure addresses reports that when immigrants were detained by ICE, their vehicles were left roadside and towed, leaving families unable to retrieve them if their names were not on the title.