Boston Rejects Immigration Detainer Requests, Upholds Sanctuary Status

Authorities in Boston confirmed that the city has not acted on any of the 15 immigration detainer requests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the previous year. This information was disclosed by Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox in a communication to the city council, highlighting that the police department has refrained from complying with ICE’s requests, in line with the Boston Trust Act, which safeguards the sanctuary status of the city.

Cox emphasized that the Boston Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Boston Trust Act, aiming to foster trust and stronger relationships with all community members. He reassured that the city’s immigrant population should feel empowered to report crimes without fearing repercussions related to their immigration status. The commissioner confirmed that in the past year, no individuals were detained or handed over to ICE, and the department did not receive any reimbursement from federal authorities concerning these requests.

ICE's detainer requests function as notifications to law enforcement entities, asking them to inform ICE before releasing individuals who may be subject to deportation. Typically issued when certain legal criteria are met, these requests can temporarily extend an immigrant's detention up to 48 hours to facilitate their transfer into ICE custody.

The police commissioner's letter is indicative of the city’s ongoing resistance to the immigration policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, who has plans that some local officials consider as prioritizing mass deportations. Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her intent to protect the city's residents and reinforced that local measures should not work against the well-being of the community, especially as large-scale deportations could instill fear and disrupt economic stability.

Further criticism of the mayor's stance came from incoming Border Czar Tom Homan, who questioned the logic of resisting federal efforts aimed at public safety. In contrast, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has also voiced her disapproval of Trump’s approach to immigration, affirming her readiness to protect residents through state resources without cooperation with the federal agenda. However, Healey recently condemned an incident involving a migrant linked to serious crimes, underscoring the deficiencies in the current federal immigration system and calling for urgent reform to enhance community safety.