Petition for the Resignation of Jessica Burget

As an administrator of a local Montgomery County community discussion group, I was disheartened to encounter an anonymous comment attributed to Jessica Burget, the county’s Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The comment consisted of one word “ICE” in response to residents asking about unidentified buses they had seen around town.

It is believed the comment may have been intended as a joke. However, references to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) can raise legitimate concerns, particularly among members of our Hispanic and Latino community. When a public official in a public safety leadership position makes such a comment, even in jest, it raises questions about professional judgment and awareness of how such statements may affect residents.

As a group administrator, I can see the identities behind anonymous submissions. Although the comment was subsequently deleted, the concerns it raised remain. To date, there has been no public apology or explanation addressing the incident.

Montgomery County deserves public servants who demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and respect for every resident. Our emergency management leadership should inspire confidence and help ensure that all members of our community feel safe and respected.

Public trust is essential to effective leadership, and accountability matters when a public official’s conduct raises concerns. Residents deserve transparency and a meaningful response.

We, the undersigned, call for Jessica Burget’s resignation as Montgomery County Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. We also urge the county board of commissoners to address this incident and reaffirm their commitment to serving every resident with fairness and respect.

Please sign this petition to support accountability, transparency, and public confidence in Montgomery County leadership. Every resident deserves to feel respected and represented by those entrusted with public service.