Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed support for the apprehension of criminals residing within the state, irrespective of their immigration status. This statement follows recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Boston, which resulted in eight arrests, including individuals associated with MS-13, Interpol Red Notices, and other serious offenses.
Governor Healey clarified her stance, emphasizing that while she does not consider these operations to be "raids," she backs the detention of individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their documentation status. She affirmed that anyone committing crimes in the state is subject to investigation, prosecution, and accountability.
These recent ICE actions occur as the Trump administration reinforces its commitment to stricter immigration enforcement. The administration's focus is primarily, though not exclusively, on individuals deemed public safety threats. Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin, embedded with ICE Boston, witnessed these arrests firsthand.
Despite previously expressing opposition to broader deportation efforts targeting individuals without legal presence who have not committed other crimes, Governor Healey's position appears to have shifted towards a more moderate approach. Following an incident involving an undocumented immigrant utilizing the state's migrant shelter system for unlawful activities, Healey called for a thorough review of the system and advocated for changes to state laws to exclude undocumented individuals from accessing these shelters. She expressed hope that the Trump administration would address border security concerns effectively.
In contrast, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell maintains her strong opposition to the administration's immigration crackdown. She has publicly voiced her dissent on social media platforms, arguing against the involvement of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Campbell asserted that the President does not possess the authority to alter the Constitution unilaterally and pledged that state Attorneys General would respond to any unlawful actions.
Meanwhile, a new bill introduced by Republican state Representatives Michael Soter and Kenneth Sweezey seeks to enhance cooperation between local and state law enforcement agencies and ICE. This bill aims to address what Representative Sweezey describes as an "out-of-control" immigration situation in Massachusetts.
