Push to make Massachusetts a sanctuary state, end state and local law enforcement involvement in deportations, renewed by Democratic lawmakers
Updated Feb 03, 2021;
Democratic lawmakers announced Tuesday they’ll renew their push to make Massachusetts a sanctuary state, joining activists in saying the action is needed to ensure all residents can seek medical care, emergency aid, and court and police protection without fear of deportation, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Safe Communities Act would end state and local law enforcement involvement in deportations, including ending agreements that allow local jails and prisons to house federal immigration detainees.
It would also bar law enforcement and court personnel from asking people about their immigration status and set limits for when those local officials can notify federal officials of someone’s impending release.
February 5, 2021 GMT
BOSTON (AP) Democratic lawmakers announced Tuesday they’ll renew their push to make Massachusetts a sanctuary state, joining activists in saying the action is needed to ensure all residents can seek medical care, emergency aid, and court and police protection without fear of deportation, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Safe Communities Act would end state and local law enforcement involvement in deportations, including ending agreements that deputize sheriffs and correctional personnel as federal immigration agents, in order to identify people for possible deportation.
It would also bar law enforcement and court personnel from asking people about their immigration status and set limits for when those local officials can notify federal officials of someone’s impending release.