An Act relative to sanctuary cities and towns

HD 263 requires Massachusetts cities and towns to allow local officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local governments from banning employees from asking about immigration status of detained individuals, sharing that information with federal authorities, assisting immigration officers, or blocking federal officers from entering local facilities. If a town fails to comply, the Attorney General can sue, and the state will reduce its unrestricted government aid payments by $2,000-$15,000 per day based on the town's population. This bill directly affects all Massachusetts municipalities by overriding existing "sanctuary" policies that limit immigration cooperation. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.