Joint Statement from the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition on Proposals by Lawmakers and Governor Healey to Minimize ICE Harms in the Commonwealth

BOSTON — In response to recent proposals by the Black and Latino Caucus and Gov. Healey to protect people in Massachusetts from the abuses of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition issued the following statement:

“ICE paramilitary forces are tearing our communities apart and making America less safe. They do not belong on our streets. We applaud the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and Gov. Healey for taking action this week to begin to protect the safety and security of everyone in Massachusetts, and we thank the countless residents who continue to mobilize to demand action. We are eager to work with the Legislature and the Governor to ensure that the strongest possible protections are signed into law as swiftly as possible.

“The Governor’s executive order, her proposed legislation, and the bill filed by the Black and Latino Caucus are strong starting points from which to build a robust and comprehensive statewide response. A comprehensive response must include a statutory ban on new 287(g) agreements that deputize state and local officers as ICE agents and clear restrictions on Massachusetts law enforcement providing operational assistance to ICE’s civil immigration actions.

“We are already seeing the devastating impacts of ICE’s actions in Massachusetts: Immigration detentions increased 336 percent from 2024 to 2025, and they are increasingly targeting parents, children, and longtime, valued members of local communities. Nearly 80 percent of people picked up by ICE in Massachusetts have no criminal history. In addition to the incalculable toll on people, the state economy is being negatively impacted. People are scared to show up to work, run errands, or send their kids to school when ICE sightings are reported in their neighborhoods.

“Our coalition is deeply appreciative of the actions and comments made by Gov. Healey, the Black and Latino Caucus, legislative leaders, law enforcement experts, faith leaders, business leaders, impacted communities, and advocates. Our work is far from done and we must act quickly to do everything we can to protect Massachusetts communities.”

Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) Coalition works to advance legislation and policy to protect immigrants. PMC is chaired by the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition and the Brazilian Workers Center, and includes the ACLU of Massachusetts, SEIU State Council, SEIU 32BJ, 1199 SEIU, SEIU 509, Massachusetts Teachers Association, and the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA).