BOSTON — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu today released an Executive Order restricting the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement and reinforcing the city’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect public safety.
Among other provisions, the Executive Order states that federal agents cannot use city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement, in keeping with existing rules that apply to everyone. It makes clear that Boston police will investigate all allegations of criminal conduct, violence, or property damage in their jurisdiction, including allegations against federal agents. And it reminds residents that they can call 911 in response to warrantless entry into their homes — by immigration officials or anyone else — to summon Boston police trained in de-escalation tactics.
In response, Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, issued the following statement:
“Mayor Wu has shown strong leadership by enacting a comprehensive plan to help protect residents from the appalling and unlawful behavior that federal immigration agents have demonstrated across the United States.
“At a time when the White House has wrongly asserted that ICE agents have complete immunity, Mayor Wu makes clear that in Boston, federal agents are not above the law and must follow the same rules as everyone else. The measures outlined in this Executive Order are critically important to provide Boston residents with some measure of protection and to make clear to federal agents that they will be held accountable for reckless and lawless behavior.
“We were heartened to see leaders from Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Lynn, Newton, and Somerville standing with Mayor Wu today, along with Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. ICE has already been active across Massachusetts, separating families and terrorizing communities. Today’s press conference demonstrated a shared resolve to hold ICE to account.
“We urge municipalities across Massachusetts to move quickly to implement protections like Boston’s, sending a unified message that ICE cannot act with impunity in this Commonwealth. We also call on state lawmakers to build upon the important immigration bills filed by Gov. Healey and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to enact strong, comprehensive law to keep all Massachusetts communities safe and free.
“Massachusetts is known as the cradle of liberty, and elected officials at every level have an obligation to honor those founding principles by taking concrete actions to uphold the rule of law, enforce accountability, and safeguard the lives and liberties of all people.”
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