Increased ICE Enforcement Draws Criticism from Massachusetts Officials
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has affirmed the city’s commitment to the Trust Act, a policy limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, stating the city adheres to all applicable laws. She warned of potential legal action against any evidence contradicting this adherence.
The U.S. Department of Justice recently filed suit against Boston, alleging the trust Act violates federal law.This legal challenge comes amidst a surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, prompting accusations of politically motivated targeting from Massachusetts Democrats.
Congressman Seth moulton, representing northeastern Massachusetts, suggested President Trump is deliberately focusing enforcement efforts on communities with Democratic voting patterns. He argued that the increased ICE action isn’t driven by public safety concerns, but rather by a desire to assert power.
Governor Maura Healey echoed this sentiment, describing the increased ICE enforcement as “more of the same” from the Trump administration. She highlighted that those being targeted are often essential workers – construction laborers, nannies, healthcare aides, and agricultural workers – being removed from thier families and communities.
While Massachusetts is frequently described in relation to immigration policy, state officials maintain it is not a “sanctuary state.” Despite this, both the state and Boston have been consistent targets of the Trump administration’s efforts to challenge policies perceived as lenient towards immigrants. Healey reiterated this point in a recent MSNBC interview, characterizing the administration’s rhetoric as a manufactured “political theater” and “political power grab.”
healey, while critical of ICE tactics, has also called for increased federal border control. In May, she stated she had urged President Biden to tighten border security “two or three years ago,” and acknowledged that some of the measures implemented by the trump administration regarding border control were “sensible.”
The increased ICE activity and the ongoing legal battle over the Trust Act underscore the continued tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and the policies of massachusetts officials.
(This report incorporates information from WBUR and the State House News service.)
