GOP calls for Massachusetts law enforcement cooperation with ICE
Jan 27, 2025
BOSTON (WWLP) - As the Trump administration ramps up deportations, several Massachusetts Republicans are pushing for cooperation between ICE and state and local law enforcement.
“Know your rights,” local immigration attorney explains as mass deportations continue
The Bellingham and Pembroke representatives filed a bill dubbed "an Act to promote and protect safety in the Commonwealth," that looks for a 36-hour buffer for local law enforcement to hold non-citizens who are deemed dangerous and have ICE detainers.
ICE says these detainers are a public safety tool and are issued only to non-citizens already in custody for criminal activity.
As the law stands, a loophole in public safety laws prevents law enforcement from holding those with ICE detainers beyond the time that a legal Massachusetts resident could be held--which effectively means Massachusetts court officers have no authority to detain an individual based solely on a federal immigration detainer.
Western Massachusetts Senator Peter Durant expressed his support for the legislation.
"These new laws will improve public safety by allowing time for ICE to remove people who are increasingly victimizing others, including children," said Durant.
This potential new law adds to growing fears among undocumented and documented immigrants alike that they or their children are at risk of deportation regardless of their criminal records.
Before Trump was elected, Governor Healey said Massachusetts would not be cooperating with ICE mass deportations. Now, she has clarified that she does support deporting undocumented criminals, which has already begun in Massachusetts.
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