Newton Mayor Signs Executive Order In Opposition To ICE

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Marc Laredo signed an Executive Order this week in response to actions of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers around the country.

Renee Nicole Good, 37, was reportedly partially blocking a street where ICE operations were being conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 7. ICE agents approached her vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door. Good then put the car in reverse then forward to reportedly turn and drive away from the officers, however Officer Jonathan Ross fired three shots through the windshield, one of which struck Good in the head.

Alex Pretti, 37, was reportedly protesting the operations of ICE in the city of Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 26 which resulted in his death after being shot by an officer. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem originally said that Pretti had brandished a handgun while protesting and arguing with officers and violently resisted disarmament. However, multiple videos filmed by witnesses to the confrontation suggest that Pretti never took the firearm out himself and had it easily taken by officers. One officer then took out his own weapon and shot Pretti multiple times at point-blank range while he was subdued on the ground.

“The Order I signed reaffirms our values as a Welcoming City and makes clear that our well-trained, professional Newton police officers will follow established protocols and long-standing practices to maintain the rule of law and ensure that public safety remains paramount across the City,” Laredo said.

The order contains five sections, which include emphasizing the police department and emergency service’s duties to protect citizens peaceful protests, prohibiting ICE and other similar federal agencies from using city locations or property to conduct their business, and to not allow federal agents into public spaces without a warrant or court order to do so.

“Recent images and reports of federal immigration enforcement operations in American cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Portland, Maine have been disturbing, frightening, and frustrating to residents of our city and other cities across the country,” the order reads.

Newton already has a “Welcoming City” ordinance, which is similar to that of a sanctuary city. It prevents Newton police from assisting ICE in arresting anyone unless an investigation has shown that the person is under investigation for terrorism, has been convicted of a major felony, or has an outstanding warrant.

Laredo was among Massachusetts leaders who joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu earlier this week to condemn the actions of ICE as well.

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