Montgomery County Protects Transit Riders From ICE

Montgomery County prohibits ICE enforcement at transit parking lots, creates reporting portal

Montgomery County Bans ICE From Transit Lots

Montgomery County riders who use transit parking facilities will see new protections take effect after county leaders voted Tuesday to ban immigration enforcement from county-owned lots and garages. The County Council unanimously approved the County Values Act on March 24, prohibiting ICE activity at transit parking areas, park-and-ride lots, and other county property. The legislation also establishes an online portal where residents can report unauthorized enforcement activity.

New Rules Protect Transit Riders

The County Values Act, formally known as Bill 3-26, responds to growing concerns about federal immigration enforcement affecting residents' daily routines, including their commutes. Transit riders often use county-owned parking facilities to access Metro stations and bus stops, making these locations particularly sensitive for enforcement activity. Councilmember Kristin Mink led the bill, which was cosponsored by seven other council members. The legislation requires clear signage and staff training at county-controlled buildings to ensure judicial warrant requirements are followed before any enforcement can occur.

Portal Tracks Enforcement Activity

The county's new online reporting portal allows residents to document immigration enforcement they witness on county property. Reports submitted through the portal may be used by the county attorney to enforce the law and make referrals to other agencies, officials said. The prohibition covers county-owned parking lots, garages, and vacant lots—areas where transit riders frequently park before boarding buses or trains. The county will also publish signage templates that private businesses can optionally use to restrict immigration enforcement activity on their property.

Implementation Begins Immediately

The protections took effect immediately after Tuesday's vote, though officials didn't specify a timeline for completing staff training or installing required signage at all county facilities. The county will need to coordinate with transit agencies that operate on county property to ensure compliance with the new rules. Details about how the reporting portal will be promoted to residents weren't immediately available.

Transit Users Gain New Protections

Riders who park at county-owned transit facilities can now use these locations without concern about immigration enforcement activity. The bill was backed by a coalition of community organizations, labor unions, faith groups, and community members who said the protections are essential for maintaining trust in public services. Moovit provides real-time transit updates for Montgomery County routes, helping riders plan trips and navigate service changes throughout the region.