MCPS STANCE:
Our schools are and will always remain safe places where every child—regardless of immigration status—is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected, and loved.
Who we are as a County
All children have a right to a public education. Under federal law, all children, regardless of their citizenship or residency status, are entitled to a K-12 education, including college counseling services. School districts that either prohibit or discourage children from enrolling in schools because they or their parents are undocumented immigrants may be in violation of federal law.
According to the United States Census Bureau, during the years of 2019-2023, 33.4% of residents in Montgomery County, MD are originally from countries outside of the United States.
Source: Montgomery County QuickStats
Immigration Response Protocol
Building administrators have a strict protocol to follow if an ICE agent or any other non-local law enforcement agent comes to a school to inquire about a student(s). Families will be contacted in the event of such an inquiry or occurrence. Families with immigration status concerns should have an emergency plan in place and designate a trusted family member who can care for their children in case of an emergency. Please read the Standby Guardianship to learn how to create an Emergency plan.
What to Do If...
Here is some information from the American Civil Liberties Union that may help families. Please see some of the following scenarios below:
Additional available languages:
Know Your Immigration Rights
Information for Students and Families
This is a sample of Rights and information provided by The American Federation of Teachers. Consult an immigration attorney for your specific circumstance.
Be prepared with Standby Guardianship as part of the Emergency Plan.
Dos and Don'ts for students and their families if ICE authorities come to their homes
Do not open the door.
ICE authorities cannot come in without a signed judicial warrant. Tell them to pass the warrant under the door before you open it.
Remain silent.
ICE can use anything you say against you in your immigration case, so claim your right to remain silent! Say "I plead the Fifth and choose to remain silent."
Do not sign.
Don't sign anything ICE gives you without talking to an attorney.
Fight back!
Get a trustworthy attorney, contact a local immigrant rights organization and explore all options to fight your case. If detained, you may be able to get bail—don't give up hope!
Additional Resources
Rights Card
Print a copy of this card and keep with you as a reminder and as a support.
(This is a sample of a Rights Card provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Consult an immigration attorney for your specific circumstance.)
Available Languages:
Community Partners
- Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
The Gilchrist Center is a gateway for Montgomery County's immigrants. The center provides information and referrals to programs and services offered by government agencies and community organizations. Call them at: 240-777-4940 - CASA in Silver Spring
CASA is a non-profit organization that provides legal services and advocacy for low-income immigrants in Maryland. A key area of focus is around immigration law. They provide legal assistance with various immigration matters, such as, applications for citizenship, family-based immigration petitions, asylum and refugee applications and deportation defense. Call them at: 240.491.5763 - Lutheran Social Services in Silver Spring
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of social services in Maryland and the surrounding region. Key areas of focus include family support programs and immigration services, such as refugee resettlement and immigration legal services. Call them at: (202) 723-3000 - Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH)
The program of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) is to make homelessness a rare, brief, and non-recurring event by operating from a Housing First philosophy. SEPH provides a full continuum of services including housing stabilization, homeless diversion, and permanent housing. - Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees (MORA) in Baltimore, MD
MORA coordinates and administers services to federally recognized refugee populations, offering employment services, health assistance, youth programming, and English language training.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Silver Spring
IRC provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture and other immigrants to thrive, offering support in resettlement and integration. - Ayuda in Silver Spring
Ayuda offers legal, social, and language services to help low-income immigrants access justice and transform their lives. - Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center (IROC) in Gaithersburg, MD
IROC offers resources and support for immigrant and refugee families, including assistance with training and mentoring through programs like the Moving Up Fund. - Catholic Charities Center
We partner with other organizations in the community to provide complete care to those who seek our help. We welcome Montgomery County residents to walk in and let us work with you. We offer: Case management, crisis intervention and referral services, Choice Food Pantry, mobile market (produce distribution), clothing, shoes and diapers, parent education and empowerment group (Abriendo Puertas), financial education classes, Rent, mortgage and utility assistance, financial assistance for single mothers with cancer, Immigration Legal Services, services for pregnant women, Neighborhood Service Center (in partnership with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and IMPACT Silver Spring): Clients may walk in on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with staff from DHHS to complete applications for benefits and financial assistance programs including food stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, childcare subsidy, rent/mortgage/utility assistance and health care.