Massachusetts A Sanctuary State? Legislators Propose It

ACTON, MA – A bill that would effectively establish Massachusetts as a "sanctuary state" has received the support of dozens of lawmakers in recent weeks. The Safe Communities Act, sponsored in the Senate by Democrat Jamie Eldridge of Acton, would preclude local law enforcement from assisting federal authorities in investigations or arrests based solely on immigration status.

The bill would also prohibit state and local officers from being deputized as immigration agents, prevent state support for a potential registry based solely on national origin or religion and require detainees to be informed that they have a right to decline an interview with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It would not give immigrants immunity to crimes, but would attempt to ensure that civil rights of all residents are protected, the bill states.

"From the women’s rights movement to marriage equality, the leadership and action in Massachusetts has always helped shape the nation’s consciousness on civil rights," Eldridge said in a statement. "While Donald Trump may have won the election, he has not changed our Massachusetts values, and we will protect the civil rights of all state residents by making sure our tax dollars are not used to help the Trump administration deport immigrant families or to create a Muslim registry."

The proposal argues that communities are in fact safer when immigrant groups trust law enforcement to report crimes; according to the bill, there are 35.5 fewer violent and property crimes per 10,000 people in so-called "safe community" counties and 65.4 fewer violent and property crimes per 10,000 people in large metro areas in "safe community" counties.

To date, 81 lawmakers have pledged their support, according to Fox25. A spokesperson for Gov. Charlie Baker told the network the governor believes sanctuary city status should be decided locally and opposes a sanctuary state.

Photo by Patch staff