Boston Stands Firm Against Trump’s Immigration Plans
Boston, MA — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has made it clear that the city will not comply with President-elect Donald Trump’s impending mass deportation initiatives, specifically targeting undocumented migrants. During recent media engagements, Wu emphasized that Boston police are prohibited by law from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for deportations based solely on immigration status.
In a discussion on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio,” Wu remarked, “It’s not possible under the laws in Boston” for local law enforcement to assist in deportations of individuals who haven’t committed serious crimes. This stance comes as Trump is set to declare a national state of emergency and potentially employ military resources for deportations after taking office.
Wu’s administration has been proactive in addressing various scenarios in anticipation of federal actions, particularly considering potential staffing and logistical challenges federal authorities may encounter. Notably, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has also declared that the state will not support mass deportation efforts.
Existing Boston laws already restrict police coordination with ICE in several contexts, ensuring that local law enforcement can focus on community safety rather than immigration enforcement. Wu clarified that cooperation with ICE remains permissible in urgent public safety matters, such as human trafficking and drug offenses.
However, the city is currently grappling with an influx of new migrants, which has strained resources and overwhelmed local shelters during an ongoing housing crisis. Wu plans to launch outreach initiatives to ensure all residents feel safe and supported when seeking city services, emphasizing that fear of deportation should not hinder their access to help.
As Boston continues to navigate the complexities of immigration policy under a potentially transformative federal government, Wu reassured residents of the city’s commitment to their protection and welfare, stating, “We are doing our part to protect our residents in every possible way.”
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Photo credit www.boston.com
