Immigration (Enforcement)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1096: An Act supporting and honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD Act)

S 1096, the SHIELD Act, requires state and local law enforcement agencies to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. It directly affects police departments and jails that receive ICE requests to hold individuals. The bill mandates that officials detain people for up to 48 hours beyond their release date if ICE issues a valid request. This policy change shifts responsibility to local authorities to facilitate ICE custody without requiring federal charges.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates local law enforcement to comply with ICE detainers, requiring 48-hour holds beyond release dates, directly enabling federal immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1127: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

S 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds for a new Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, increasing government spending on public legal services.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates state-funded legal defense fund for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly providing services to protect rights and replace limited pro bono options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 1635: An Act relative to access to justice

This bill requires immigration enforcement officers to allow legal counsel during interviews with immigrants. It directly affects non-citizens facing immigration enforcement actions, such as detentions or removal proceedings. The key provision mandates that individuals must have the option to consult with an attorney before answering questions during such investigations.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationMandates legal counsel access during immigration enforcement interviews, protecting non-citizens' rights in detention/removal proceedings90% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 1954: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

H 1954 would provide legal representation to eligible immigrants and refugees facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney. The bill directs state funding to establish a program connecting these individuals with qualified legal aid providers. It specifically targets people in removal proceedings who lack access to counsel due to financial barriers. This creates a concrete system for fairer immigration court outcomes without altering federal immigration law.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProvides state-funded legal aid for immigrants in deportation proceedings, removing financial barriers to representation95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 1588: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

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.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill targets 'immigration collaboration agreements' by law enforcement, implying restriction of state-federal immigration enforcement cooperation, aligning with 'limits cooperation' indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2009: An Act supporting and honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD Act)

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.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill explicitly supports ICE detainers and affirms state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, advancing federal enforcement over immigrant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2058: An Act relative to state compliance with detainer requests

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.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill mandates state procedures for federal detainer requests, limiting automatic compliance with immigration enforcement, aligning with 'limits cooperation' support indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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