Protecting People From ICE

Governor Healey signed the PROTECT Act, the strongest protections against ICE in the nation. The bill keeps ICE out of courthouses, schools, child care centers, hospitals and health care facilities, while also providing stronger protections for parents in case they are detained or deported, banning new 287(g) agreements and allowing civil rights claims to be made against government officials, including ICE agents. 

Prior to signing the PROTECT Act, Governor Healey issued an Executive Order 650 prohibiting ICE from making warrantless civil arrests in non-public areas of state facilities, and prohibiting the use of state property for immigration enforcement staging. The Healey-Driscoll Administration issued additional guidance under that Executive Order for higher education campuses and places of worship regarding interacting with ICE agents.  

Attorney General Campbell released a “Know Your Rights” guide that is designed to help immigrants understand their rights and basic legal framework for ICE’s actions.

Governor Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell launched an online portal allowing Massachusetts residents to report alleged misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies enforcing civil immigration laws.

Filing a report does not generate a complaint or start a lawsuit on your behalf.  For questions on your legal rights or responsibilities, please contact a private lawyer.