Massachusetts Considered a Sanctuary State by Trump Administration
Despite Governor Maura Healey’s assertions, the Trump administration has designated Massachusetts as a sanctuary state, identifying 12 municipalities and nearly all of its counties as non-compliant with federal immigration laws. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the list, warning that communities harboring illegal aliens endanger public safety.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the "sanctuary city politicians," stating they prioritize undocumented individuals over the safety of American citizens. Following a recent executive order from President Trump, the department is increasing pressure on jurisdictions, demanding they align their policies with federal immigration laws.
The municipalities named include Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, among others, while Hampden County remains the only county not on the list. Healey, however, has maintained that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state and supports the deportation of violent criminals. Previously, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that local law enforcement could not detain individuals based solely on federal immigration requests.
Tensions escalated recently as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 40 individuals on Martha’s Vineyard, prompting Healey to question the due process of federal agents’ actions. Even as she expressed concern about family separations, ICE officials indicated they would increase enforcement operations nationwide, including in Massachusetts.
The political fallout is evident, with Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy criticizing Healey for fostering sanctuary policies. He vows to actively declare Massachusetts as a non-sanctuary state if elected, pushing for cooperation with federal authorities to remove dangerous criminals.
Massachusetts GOP officials pointedly remarked, “We are a sanctuary state, that is why we are on the list,” reflecting the ongoing division over immigration policy in the state as it grapples with rising migrant arrivals.
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