Latest news with #MarcElrich
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Annual Salvadoran festival in Montgomery County canceled due to deportation concerns
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () – An annual festival in the DMV won't be taking place this year. The people who host it say they canceled it because of the political climate and fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The celebration of El Salvador's Independence Day normally takes place in Montgomery County in September. It highlights Salvadoran food, music and culture at the county fairgrounds. However, the festival's organizers say there is a real concern that federal agents could target undocumented migrants who attend it. Can you still visit the countries listed under Trump's travel ban? DC News Now talked to Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich about the group's decision. 'The idea that we have to cancel a celebration because people are afraid that ICE will target it is really sad, and I totally understand why they feel that way,' Elrich said. Organizers say they're hoping to bring the festival back next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Montgomery Co., LGBTQ+ leaders discuss potential impact of Trump's suicide hotline proposal
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – The Trump Administration is proposing to eliminate a division of the nation's suicide hotline that specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth. On Wednesday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and leaders in the county's LGBTQ+ community say the changes could be a matter of life and death. 'This presidency has brought a heightened level of fear and uncertainty not only for myself,' Phillip Alexander Downie, CEO of the MoCo Pride Center, said, 'but for many LGBTQIA+ people.' First-ever Capital Cup in DMV celebrates LGBTQ+ sports community Downie grew up in Montgomery County and says he's pleased with the progress the county has made in creating safe spaces for him and others in the LGBTQ+ community to be themselves authentically. 'Having local governments like Montgomery County actively affirm our community makes all of the difference,' he said. But Downie says that progress is now being threatened by the Trump Administration. 'To have a current president and administration who is actively seeking to dismantle protections for anyone who is not a white, cis, straight male, 'he said, 'that is extremely scary.' According to a leaked draft of the federal budget, President Trump has plans to eliminate a service within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline that specifically serves the LGBTQ+ community. Downie says this would be detrimental if passed. 'It's lifesaving,' he said, 'It is absolutely lifesaving having that number available for youth.' Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich agrees. 'We all know that the LGBTQ+ community youth face higher risks of suicide,' Elrich said. 'Cutting off support in the middle of a mental health crisis is cruel and it's dangerous.' Dr. Amena Johnson serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison in the county's Office of Community Partnership. She worries about what may be in store for the LGBTQ+ community over the next three years. 'It is very clear in the wording that this administration is using that they are trying to criminalize parents that support their trans children,' Johnson said, 'but also, anyone who supports transpeople and trans youth.' President Trump's budget is not yet finalized. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Maryland county may spend $57 million on incinerator it wants to close
Montgomery County may need to spend more than $57 million over four years on maintenance for the county's trash incinerator in Dickerson despite County Executive Marc Elrich promising years ago to close it. The incinerator, which started operating in 1995, burns about 565,000 tons of the county's waste each year, according to the county's Department of Environmental Protection. It's also authorized to emit numerous toxic pollutants. That's why Elrich campaigned on closing the facility and finding alternatives to it during his run for office in 2018 and again when he began his second term in 2022.
Fox News
30-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
Dem county executive dings Trump admin over sanctuary jurisdiction designation
In a statement responding to the inclusion of Montgomery County Maryland on a list of sanctuary jurisdictions in the U.S., County Executive Marc Elrich accused the Trump administration of seeking to criminalize immigrants and "create fear." President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for a list of sanctuary jurisdictions. DHS issued the list on Thursday, the department noted in a post on X. "We are not in violation of federal law, and we will not be making changes based on political headlines. Montgomery County has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving violent crimes, serious felonies, and threats to public safety. That has been and remains our policy," Elrich said in his statement. "This designation, like many other actions taken by this administration, is about criminalizing immigrants, not protecting public safety. We will not be complicit in efforts to stigmatize or target our immigrant communities," the Democrat declared. "These types of announcements are designed to create fear. But we do not govern by fear in Montgomery County. We govern by the law and by our values." U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of an MS-13 member in a press release earlier this month, noting multiple instances of the Montgomery County Detention Center failing to honor immigration detainers for the individual over the years, including just last month. "The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville convicted Amaya of attempted motor vehicle theft April 4, and sentenced him to three years of confinement with two years, five months and 11 days suspended," the release noted of Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez. "On April 18, the Montgomery County Detention Center again declined to honor ICE's immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody." Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Director Ben Stevenson acknowledged the "error." "This individual met the criteria we use to notify and coordinate with ICE due to a prior felony conviction and validated gang membership in the DOCR records. We failed to make this notification. We take full responsibility for this error," he said in a statement. "Montgomery County has stated consistently that we cooperate with ICE in cases involving individuals convicted of violent crimes, verified gang members, drug distributors & traffickers and other felony convictions. That policy remains in place." Elrich said during a media briefing that "we goofed on our part. We did not make a policy decision to let this person go." The Trump administration has been aiming to crackdown on illegal immigration and is seeking to remove many individuals from the country after massive numbers of people flowed across the U.S. border during President Joe Biden's administration.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Redland Middle School crowned winner of MCDOT's ‘Paint the Plow' contest
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () — The wait is over, and a middle school in Derwood was named the winner of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) 'Paint the Plow' contest. On Wednesday, the department announced that Redland Middle School was selected as the first-place winner. The winning design, 'Life is a Highway,' illustrated a Ride On bus and a highway worker on Sam Eig Highway. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | MCDOT invites middle schools to join 'Paint the Plow' competition 'Congratulations to Redland Middle School and all the participating students and teachers,' said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. 'The Paint the Plow competition is a beloved annual tradition that engages students in recognizing the valuable contributions of our public works employees. I look forward to seeing the plows in action during the winter months as a tribute to the men and women who keep our County running.' The contest is held each year as part of the 'Public Works Week,' to honor essential workers. The special week highlights the employees of its Division of Highway Services, public works employees, and the vital role they play in safety and quality of life for residents. The contest featured 11 county middle schools. The art pieces were displayed at the department's 'Truck Day,' where over 2,600 people voted. Here is a list of the winners: First place and awarded $500: Redland Middle School in Derwood for its decorated snowplow with a transportation theme named 'Life is a Highway.' Second place and awarded $300: Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg for its decorated snowplow with a 'Heroes of Public Works' theme named 'Plow!' Third place and awarded $200: Julius West Middle School in Rockville for its decorated snowplow with a Minions theme named 'Snow Ready for Summer.' 'I want to thank our MCPS students for helping us celebrate our public works employees,' said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. 'I was impressed by the creativity and talent of these students and their efforts to raise awareness of the unseen but vital role our employees play in our community.' The department said residents will see the newly decorated snow plows in action this winter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
