Hundreds gathered to support a bill that would restrict police cooperation with federal immigration authorities in Massachusetts. Rally participants argue that the bill would build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, while opponents claim it would hinder the removal of dangerous criminals.
About 100 people gathered outside the State House in Boston on Wednesday for a rally organized by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). The rally launched the “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” campaign, calling for a bill that would restrict police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The proposed legislation would prohibit police in Massachusetts from being deputized as federal immigration agents and bar them from asking about someone’s immigration status. MIRA advocates argue that the bill would help build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, where individuals often hesitate to report crimes for fear of deportation. They cite a 2020 Supreme Judicial Court ruling that limits local law enforcement’s ability to hold an individual solely based on a federal immigration detainer, except in cases involving serious criminal charges. The rally comes amidst pressure from Republicans in Congress for Massachusetts and Boston, in particular, to cooperate more with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions. State lawmakers and local activists at the rally countered the narrative that ICE agents only target public safety threats for deportation, dismissing the notion that policies limiting cooperation with ICE hinder public safety. State Sen. Liz Miranda, referencing President Trump’s first term, stated, “If anyone tells you that they're only focused on violent criminals, they are lying.” Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of MIRA, highlighted the pervasive fear among immigrants, saying, “They are really afraid that just stepping out into the street is going to put them at risk right now.” Participants shared personal stories of anxiety and fear due to the potential for ICE encounters. Arthur Almeda, a native of Haiti and head of the Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center, expressed his constant vigilance, carrying his American passport for potential identification. André Simões, program manager at the Brazilian Worker Center, described the chilling effect of the Trump administration’s rhetoric on the Brazilian community, leading to a reluctance to leave their homes. Simões emphasized that legislation like the proposed bill could alleviate these fears and allow for a return to normalcy
IMMIGRATION POLICE LEGISLATION MASSACHUSETTS ICE
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