This bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.
This bill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for eligible immigrants facing deportation. It directly affects income-eligible individuals in Massachusetts who lack legal counsel during immigration court proceedings (including detention, expedited removals, or appeals), defined as those with household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. Key mechanisms include funding competitive grants to legal providers, establishing a statewide "Coordinator" nonprofit to manage referrals and culturally responsive services, and requiring free representation starting before the first court appearance. The fund will cover legal costs, filings, interpretation, and case management for detained individuals and those at immediate risk of deportation.
By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to civil immigration detainers and state and local law cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
S 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1588) of Christine P. Barber, David M. Rogers and others relative to immigration collaboration and detention agreements by law enforcement agencies. The Judiciary.
This bill (H 2009) is a symbolic resolution expressing support for federal immigration detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It does not alter ICE's enforcement procedures or create new legal requirements. The bill directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies that receive ICE detainer requests by affirming their role in cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. It was introduced by Representative Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida as a statement of legislative backing for existing ICE practices. The resolution has no binding effect on actual detention policies.
H 2058, titled "An Act relative to state compliance with detainer requests," proposes to establish clear procedures for Massachusetts state law enforcement agencies when handling federal detainer requests from immigration authorities. The bill would require state agencies to follow specific guidelines for processing such requests, including timelines for notifying individuals and coordinating with federal officials. It directly affects state law enforcement personnel and individuals who may be subject to federal detainer requests while in state custody. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.
