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BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a new Executive Order Thursday that prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using state resources to facilitate civil immigration arrests.
Healey also announced that she will be filing legislation to maintain protections for courthouses, medical facilities, religious buildings, and schools.
The announcements were made at a news conference on the Grand Staircase at the Statehouse.
President Donald Trump repealed a “sensitive locations” policy via executive order shortly after returning to office that had prevented ICE from operating in such locations. That policy historically prevented federal agents from entering churches, schools and courtrooms with the intention of detaining immigrants.
“What we’ve seen from DT and his agents is the continued trampling of rights and protections in Massachusetts,” the governor told the assembled press and advocates. “I can tell you that this is making no one safer.”
“We have people right now in Massachusetts who are afraid to send their children to school and daycare,” she continued. “People are afraid to go to court, to testify, as victims and witnesses. This is all making us less safe. As governor, I have a responsibility to protect the people of Massachusetts.”
The governor’s bill was attached to a proposed $411 million budget with “time sensitive” legislation for the senators and representatives to consider.
The bill includes provisions offering legal help to public employees acting within the scope of their duties when interacting with federal investigations; veterans benefit access reforms to ensure all eligible veterans can obtain state benefits; and technical and privacy-related amendments affecting higher education access and student records. The bill will also ensure that parents are allowed to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in the event they are detained by immigration enforcement.
“In Massachusetts and across the country, we continue to see unlawful and unconstitutional actions by ICE that are meant to intimidate and instill fear in our communities, including against United States citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights,” the governor said. “This puts people at risk and in harm’s way, and I find it necessary in the interest of public safety to take this action today.”
The proposed legislation would also prohibit elementary, middle and high schools, as well as licensed child care programs and after school programs, from allowing an ICE or immigration agent to enter the premises without a judicial warrant. It would also require schools, child care programs, and afterschool programs to adopt their own policies on how to interact with ICE. Similar obligations would be placed on medical facilities.
The bill would also codify statutory privilege against civil arrest while attending worship services within a place of worship. A representative from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston gave full throated support to the measure during comments at the news conference.
“Our society today is on edge in multiple ways, more so than we are accustomed to in this richly diverse land,” said Auxiliary Bishop Cristiano Barbosa, himself an immigrant from Brazil. “I can affirm that many among the good people we serve are experiencing and living in constant fear and distress.
“Legal protections for schools and hospitals and [religious institutions] are needed for these institutions to renew the physical and spiritual lives of all our neighbors,” he added. “It once was protected by federal law but now requires the state to step into a gap seriously absent among us.”
The executive order prohibits the use of state parking garages and parking lots from use by federal agencies carrying out immigration enforcement as locations for staging, processing, or as operational bases. The order also prohibits ICE from carrying out arrests without a judicial warrant in nonpublic areas of state facilities such as courthouses. It also prohibits any office or agency under the auspices of the executive branch from entering into new 287(g) agreements.
When asked by a Light reporter at the news conference about mechanisms to ensure that federal agents are held accountable for violating these laws, Healey focused her comments on the message she intended to send to the White House.
“I really do hope that with today’s announcement that the White House hears me,” she said. “As a state there are certain things that we have under our control.
“I’m going to take charge of what I can take charge of and have jurisdiction and authority over,” she added.
Senate President Karen Spilka, a Democrat representing parts of the Metro West region, said what is happening in the U.S. sounds similar to the stories her grandfather shared of life in Holocaust-era Poland.
“What we have witnessed on the streets of Minnesota and Maine and so many other parts of our country in recent weeks has been so enraging,” she said. “These actions echo the experiences of my grandfather in Poland almost a century ago.
“The parallels are chilling,” she added, “and that word doesn’t even capture it.”
She added that she will work to speedily pass the legislation in the Senate.
“When this legislation reaches the Senate, and hopefully that is soon, we will engage thoughtfully with the details and consider additional protections developed through the hard work of our Senators,” she said. “But let me be clear: the Senate will do everything in its power to return these proposals to your desk for your signature — soon.”
State Rep. António F.D. Cabral, a Democrat representing New Bedford’s South End, was among the state politicians and advocates standing behind the governor as she made the announcement.
“I’ve been working on these issues for years,” he told The Light. “Finally, we have a governor who is willing to look at some of these issues and fix these things. We need to hold onto our state resources to tackle state responsibilities.”
Advocates and local officials
Andrew O’Leary, the superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, tuned into the announcement livestream from the city. He spoke firmly in favor of the reinstatement of the sensitive locations policy during a demonstration in New Bedford in March after a violent ICE raid on a home in the city’s South End.
“I think it’s very welcome,” he told The Light over the phone. “I think actually what the governor’s statement and the proposed legislation shows is that these are common sense approaches that offer a sense of safety and stability for families.”
Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, prelate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River which includes New Bedford, was unavailable for comment as he was traveling back from a visit to his family in Brazil. In previous comments to The Light, he condemned the mass deportation campaign.
“The United States is shooting themselves in the foot because they are doing harm to themselves by the things that they are doing,” da Cunha said. “Imagine those children who are born in this country and whose parents have been taken away from them.
“They’re going to grow up with such hatred and resentment from the trauma that they experienced,” he continued, “and we don’t know what’s going to happen to them and how they’re going to turn out.”
Gladys Vega, director of La Colaborativa, a Chelsea social services nonprofit that has been in the frontline of the Gateway city’s struggles throughout President Trump’s mass deportation campaign, held back tears as she sang Healey’s praises.
“2025 was the worst year in my 30 years at La Colaborativa, but today is a celebratory day,” she said. “These protections announced today mean so much to me and my community. It gives us hope.
“People are always worried about young people and schools and safety,” she continued. “We have to remind people that our schools are a safe location and there’s no indication of imminent concern.”
At least two New Bedford advocates were also behind the governor at the event.
“We have to definitely congratulate her for saying these things out loud,” said Helena DaSilva Hughes, president of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center. “Having this press conference made sense in making sure it’s loud and clear.”
Lisa Maya Knauer, co-founder of the Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, said she also applauded the governor’s pronouncements, though she pondered how effective the moves would be in restraining ICE operations in Massachusetts.
“I think it’s a positive step and it’s important as a statement,” she told The Light. “How much it’s going to change, I think, remains to be seen.
“I’m a little bit dubious about her hope that the federal government will start to respect the law,” she said.
DaSilva Hughes offered a similar sentiment.
“That’s the part that scares me,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re talking about the federal government and they can do whatever they want.”
Contact Kevin G. Andrade at kandrade@newbedfordlight.org.
Good job Antonio C
Just more far left liberal nonsense, it’s time for Healy the worst governor in our state’s history, and Rep. Cabral who as been in office way to long, to both be removed from office.
Thank you For standing up to the bullies Governor Healy.
Common sense tells the story, the only bully is Governor Healey, putting illegals before Veterans, Seniors, Families, Children, and Hard Working Americans, and using bilions of our tax dollars to give illegals Free Housing, Free Cash / Monthly Stipends, Free Health Care, Free Day Care, Free Food, Free Clothing, Free Cell Phones, and Free Transportation. As it has been said time and time again, it’s time to save our commonwealth, and vote Healey out of office.
I agree!
Masked, armed, unidentified, unaccountable federal agents should not be allowed to violate First Amendment and Fourth Amendment rights of ANY or ALL residents of this country. This is why our Congress is now deliberating the funding of DHS ICE activities SEPARATELY from the rest of the government budget, AS IT SHOULD, in order to avoid a government shutdown and enact reforms that the Department of Homeland Security BADLY NEEDS.
Some reforms being proposed require DHS government agents to do the following:
HAVE PROPER TRAINING SO THAT THEY CAN KNOW THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THEIR ACITONS
BE UNMASKED AND BE IDENTIFIED
WEAR BODY CAMERAS
These reforms are intended to insure accountability. Officers who are doing what they should will have proof from the body cam video. Victims of constitutional violations will also have proof from the video.
Not having masks, and wearing identification, as our local and state police do, will ensure that wrongdoers can be identified and corrective actions taken.
We all should want these reforms and I am hoping that these efforts succeed.
Oh what a surprise, but their are so many of us across this country that support law enforcement agencies including ICE and believe illegal immigration is a crime. Time to take our state back and fire this far left liberal governor who is destroying it.
Guess you haven’ t read the US Constitution.
28% is not so many.
We the people of Massachusetts have the Governor we want by 64% (NB ~68%).
We have our state.
Trump/MAGA does not.
I’m pretty sure it’s against the law to interfere with law enforcement as the governor is suggesting. What happens if people decide to interfere with local law enforcement officers. She is all in on protecting people who are here illegally. Like it or not smuggling yourself into the country is illegal. Pity she doesn’t work harder for legal Massachusetts citizens. That joke of a solution to energy bills still has me scratching my head. Democrats just don’t get it that’s why someone like Trump can get elected to begin with. Immigration policy needs to change it’s not 1930. To bad Congress is just as inept as local government otherwise we could have an immigration policy that actually works. Government at every level is compromised that’s why nobody expects anything meaningful from them. 10 percent approval rating, pathetic.
You hit the nail on the head Mark !
“As governor, I have a responsibility to protect the people of Massachusetts.”
Well then please do that, Maura, beginning with American citizens and LEGAL residents.
All residents.
Why are you OK with people living here illegally, receiving all manner of free goods and services from Beacon Hill that our legal residents in need do not get?
What took her so long ????????????????
Governor Healy’s executive order would prevent ICE from using state resources for CIVIL ARRESTS. States already cooperate in handing over criminals.
The bill would protect immigrants in places such as churches, schools, state courts and hospitals. In light of the current immigration enforcement practices of this administration, I believe her executive order and proposed legislation are both constitutionally necessary and morally justified.
In today’s gospel from Matthew 5, Christians heard the following words:
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
A former US President, Jimmy Carter, chose these words for the gospel at his memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. They reflect the the philosophy of his entire life and work. He practiced true Christian values.
What a contrast to the present administration. Tom Homan and Steven Miller, who implemented the family separation policy at the border during the first Trump administration, have now been orchestrating the ICE raids in communities, most recently in Minneapolis Minnesota. We have all seen what can happen when people are treated inhumanely and constitutional rights violated.
So, yes, I believe that Governor Healy is both constitutionally and morally justified in the actions she is now taking to protect the residents of Massachusetts.
Additional information:
I omitted DHS director, Kristi Noem, who deploys ICE agents. Tom Homan is Border Czar and responsible for all deportations. Steven Miller is White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor. To achieve a high level of deportations, Miller directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to no longer focus on people with criminal convictions but to prioritize large numbers of arrests. Agents in the field are carrying out this administration policy without regard to constitutional law and accepted policing policies. We have been seeing the unintended consequences.
I am more concerned about being protected from Gov. Healy and especially her policies which have brought us high prices, high and soon short energy supplies, and a continuous lowing of health, education and living conditions.
If Congress exercised its constitutional rights to check the abuses of power in the current DHS Immigration enforcement activities , governors would not have to act to protect people in their states.
Many local police departments are understaffed and busy doing their own work. They already turn over criminals to immigration officers. They should not have to be taken away from their own jobs to enforce civil violations. They do not need to be compelled to turn against their own neighbors by the federal government. The governor is also trying to protect them by her actions
Being here without documentation is a civil offense. It becomes a criminal offense if you have been deported and then reenter again. That is my understanding of the law.
People here illegally do not get benefits and they do not vote.
Some people without documents can be here legally for various reasons: temporary protected status , asylum seekers working their way through asylym court proceedings, etc.
ICE is rounding them all up, regardless of their status, and getting a lot of green card holders and citizens in their indiscriminate and violent raids.
So, yes, governors are right to take these actions to protect residents in their states.
Religious quotes for some but not for all, save the holier than now rant when you wish ill will on others who don’t see things your way. The facts are if you came here illegally and you’re doing nothing to become legal, you’re a criminal who is continuing to break the law, and should be deported. At the end of the day there is no one to blame but Joe Biden for this mess, he left our borders wide open. and let millions of illegals pour into our country.
How about protecting us from Eversource.
That’s great Maura keep making it easier for the ILLEGAL IMAGRANTS not Mass. citizens like the headline states, to come to Massachusetts and give away OUR tax dollars $$$$$
Jane Constant is another delusional liberal. She stated illegals don’t receive benefits, AKA our tax dollars. Wrong again Jane the state spent one billion one hundred million dollars caring for illegals last year. That number came from the governor herself. I guess in Jane’s mind those aren’t benefits. That money sure could have helped a lot of elderly and disabled people in the state with help with high rent and outrageous energy bills. But those people don’t deserve government help but non citizens do. I don’t understand anything anymore.
Great comment, and I could not agree more with you. From her energy policy and putting Illegals before Veterans, Seniors, Families, Children, and Hard Working Americans. Maura Healey is the worst governor in our state’s history.
Many people are not aware of how much money is already being spent and allocated on the hiring of masked, armed agents and detention centers for the next five years. That budget dwarfs the combined budgets already allocated to other federal law and security agencies. Lest we forget, DOGE severely cut back the budgets of the VA, EPA, FDA, and many other agencies last year.
Immigrants are being used as scapegoats to further divide the country.
The basis of US law is the ability of people to choose their leaders. States, not the federal government, conduct elections. This is spelled out in the US Constitution.
The President wants to use ICE agents to patrol voting precincts in areas of the country that did not vote for him. If the administration does attempt to use these federal agents to “patrol” voting places this November, dictatorship will have then become official.
I know some of the people commenting here will not read the following link. It is intended for people who are interested in facts. Democracy depends on citizens being informed.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/how-much-ice-funding-trump/70147693
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat, just more nonsense from a far left liberal who tries to back it up with links and articles from far left liberal fake news organizations that have no credibility. No one is buying this garbage.
You are free to add your own links with evidence to the contrary.
No need to, you make my case for me, by writing your bibles, and adding your fake news links, like I said no one is buying the garbage (Oh peace be with you).
And peace be with you, Jeff.
Immigration status and benefits is a complicated issue. Both state and federal laws are involved. We also need to understand the various kinds of visas. I have tried to link to sites that document what they say. I do admit that the second link is authored by a women’s legal association, but it gave me a better understanding of how status is determined for victims of crime, abuse, or persecution.
I know that some will automatically dismiss this as “radical, liberal,etc.” This information is intended for fact seekers who want to better understand the problem. I do not have all the answers to the problem, but I do want to protect our constitutional and human rights.
ARE IMMIGRANTS ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE?
https://usafacts.org/articles/immigrant-program-eligibility/
EXPLANATION OF THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF VISAS FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE, CRIME, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, ASYLUM SEEKIERS AND REFUGEES.
https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/federal/immigration/t-visa-trafficking-victims