Montgomery declines police support to federal agents on immigration raids


Filed under: WASHINGTON , Kathleen Miller , Immigration - Montgomery
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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Montgomery County is the only county in the Washington area that wouldn’t automatically provide local police protection for federal agents conducting a workplace immigration raid.

In Anne Arundel County, local authorities sent 50 police officers for a recent raid that netted dozens of suspected illegal immigrants last week.

In Loudoun County, police sent two officers, and Prince William County sent four officers to provide support for immigration officials that ranged from traffic control to officer protection during recent immigration raids in their counties.

While Prince George’s County police didn’t respond to calls about their policies, Fairfax and Arlington officials say when federal law enforcement asks for backup or public safety assistance, they provide it if they can.

Not always so in Montgomery.

“Montgomery County police only provide public safety assistance to [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] authorities when there is a criminal investigation,â€