Republican lawmakers in Massachusetts are seeking to change the state’s practice of ignoring immigration detainers filed by federal officials as President Donald Trump ramps up deportation efforts. The bill, HD.4221 or An Act to promote and protect safety in the Commonwealth, would give law enforcement officers the option to comply with ICE detainers. Supporters believe it will equip law enforcement with the tools needed to keep communities safe and prevent unnecessary ICE raids. The bill has the backing of two Massachusetts Sheriffs who have seen a significant increase in individuals with ICE detainers coming through their facilities, many of whom have committed serious crimes. ICE has been making a large number of arrests each day under the Trump administration, with an average of 310 per day during the Biden administration. The detainer requests are made after establishing probable cause that an individual is removable and poses a public safety or national security threat. The bill aims to provide law enforcement with the ability to detain these individuals, preventing the need for ICE to re-arrest dangerous non-citizens. Republican lawmakers believe the bill is a commonsense response to a court decision that limited law enforcement’s ability to comply with ICE detainers and are hopeful that it will help address the growing immigration issue in Massachusetts.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
