We know that these have been incredibly difficult times for our community, especially the past few weeks since the incident at Bohrer Park on July 28 when federal immigration agents were present in the parking lot near the Activity Center.  We understand the fear and frustration. We can also understand how residents may have felt that their concerns have not been heard. We hear you, and we are listening.

It’s important to note that we do not enforce federal civil immigration law, and we have protocols and training in place for staff should immigration enforcement agents show up at City properties. Those protocols were properly followed on July 28. We also have immigration enforcement resources available on our website for those who are impacted by immigration enforcement actions and we will continue to work with our County and nonprofit partners to support our community.

We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in Gaithersburg. Our residents — and visitors— deserve that.

As with any incident, we are reviewing our protocols and making sure we continue to do everything we can to make the most of the limited tools we have when interacting with federal immigration enforcement.