In the DMV, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have adopted local immigration-related measures in 2026, as enforcement of federal immigration law has intensified. Here is what the counties’ official sources say, and where to find help. Afriquetoday reports the facts and does not take sides.
Montgomery County: a portal and two laws
On July 8, 2026, County Executive Marc Elrich and Council President Natali Fani-González announced a reporting portal for ICE activity (official release).
- The portal lets residents share information with the county. Reports are for county tracking only: it is not a way to get emergency help.
- “Unmask ICE Act” (Bill 5-26): bars law enforcement agencies operating in the county from wearing masks or facial coverings on duty, with narrow exceptions for health and safety. Officers must display their agency, name and badge number, and state them verbally on request.
- “County Values Act” (Bill 3-26): sets a framework for how county departments respond when federal immigration enforcement comes to county facilities and parking lots.
The release gives no emergency number for these situations and no effective dates for the laws.
Prince George’s County: a package of measures, and a federal case
In an October 2, 2026 release, the Prince George’s County Council describes a package designed in response to increased federal immigration enforcement. Its goals: strengthen transparency and accountability, restrict immigration enforcement activity in certain county facilities, help residents verify whether people claiming to be federal agents are who they say, and strengthen resident protections.
The same release says the U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit with the State of Maryland, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission and Montgomery County. The complaint challenges state and local laws on face coverings and identification for law enforcement officers. Prince George’s is named because of its own legislation. The Council says it knew its actions could face a legal challenge but acted to protect residents, and that it will keep working with county officials and legal representatives as the case proceeds.
The release does not name the court, the exact provisions challenged or the current status of the case. The legal situation may therefore change.
Where to find help
In Montgomery County
- Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center: information and referral line 240-777-4940, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Know Your Rights information, referrals to legal services, English and citizenship preparation classes. Information materials exist in several languages, including French.
- Free legal clinics from the Montgomery Bar Foundation in Wheaton and Gaithersburg (dates and sign-up not stated on the page).
In Prince George’s County
The Council’s page for the immigrant community links to several organizations: CASA, Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services, Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, La Clinica del Pueblo, Ayuda, the ACLU immigrant services directory and the county courts’ pro bono and discounted representation program. The page does not describe each one’s services or give phone numbers: visit their websites directly.
Why it matters for the diaspora
Both counties are among the largest African-born populations in the United States: 62,763 residents in Montgomery and 61,443 in Prince George’s (our article). Knowing which local rules exist, and whom to contact when needed, directly concerns these families.
This article is informational and is not legal advice. For your personal situation, contact an attorney or an accredited organization.
Sources
This article is our own summary. Official sources: Montgomery County, July 8, 2026 release; Montgomery County, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center; Prince George’s County Council, October 2, 2026 release; Prince George’s County Council, resources for the immigrant community.
