Statement on Governor Baker's objections to “Safe Communities"

“Amid the Trump Administration’s campaign to disrupt lives and upend communities with its inhumane deportation machine, we are disappointed that Governor Baker has chosen to ignore the guidance of police chiefs on the need to limit collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It’s particularly troubling that the Governor still defends agreements under which state and local law enforcement officers are deputized as immigration agents, despite the detrimental effect these contracts have on the community's trust of local police and their cost to Massachusetts taxpayers. Our state and local police resources should be used to address local issues - not separate families. Now more than ever, we need to send a clear message that Massachusetts stands with our immigrant neighbors.”