Bethesda Magazine reported on Councilmember Will Jawando’s introduction of legislation that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks while conducting operations in Montgomery County. Jawando joined Councilmember Kristin Mink (D-Dist. 5) at a joint press conference to announce the new immigration-related proposals alongside the Trust Act put forward by Council President Gabe Albornoz and Council President Fani-Gonzalez.
Jawando’s bill targets the growing practice of federal agents concealing their identities during enforcement operations, requiring officers to be identifiable while operating within the county. Mink’s companion legislation, the County Values Act, would restrict federal immigration enforcement agents’ access to county facilities. Together with the Trust Act, the proposals represent a comprehensive response from the Montgomery County Council to protect residents and ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement.