We are hearing from more constituents than ever before with concerns about deportations, ICE activity in Massachusetts, and in support of legislation to protect immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Our team is engaging with municipal officials, nonprofit and community groups, and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office on protections for immigrants.
We’re also engaged in legislative advocacy and making sure constituents know about advocacy opportunities to protect immigrants in Massachusetts.
One of our first briefings this session with Representative Mindy Domb, the ACLU, MIRA, legislative colleagues, and immigration experts focused on state legislation and timely actions we can take to support immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. You can watch a recording of the full briefing, here.
The briefing focused on three major bills, and many constituents have written asking what action they can take in support of those bills:
- S.1122 & H.1588 – An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements
- Filed by: Sen. Adam Gomez, Rep. Christine Barber & Rep. David Rogers
- Current location: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
- Action you can take: Email the Chairs of the Judiciary Committee (Lydia.Edwards@masenate.gov and Michael.Day@mahouse.gov) to let them know of your support for this legislation. A hearing has not yet been announced for this bill
- Senate Chair: Lydia Edwards
- House Chair: Mike Day
- S.1681 & H.2580 – An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents
- Filed by: Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Sen. Liz Miranda, Rep. Manny Cruz & Rep. Priscila Sousa
- Current location: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Action you can take: Email the Chairs of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee (John.Cronin@masenate.gov and Daniel.Cahill@mahouse.gov) to let them know of your support for this legislation. A hearing has not yet been announced for this bill
- Senate Chair: John Cronin
- House Chair: Dan Cahill
- S.1127 & H.1954 – An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings
- Filed by: Sen. Adam Gomez, Rep. David Rogers & Rep. Frank Moran
- Current location: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
- Action you can take: Email the Chairs of the Judiciary Committee (Lydia.Edwards@masenate.gov and Michael.Day@mahouse.gov) to let them know of your support for this legislation. A hearing has not yet been announced for this bill
- Senate Chair: Lydia Edwards
- House Chair: Mike Day
Our team has also advocated through the budget process. In the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Legislature included $5 million to establish and capitalize an Immigrant Legal Defense fund. Passing the legislation is still necessary to codify this program in statute.
Recently, I have been receiving a lot of emails about legislation in California that would ban law enforcement agents from wearing masks while carrying out their duties. I share the concerns of constituents about ICE agents wearing masks, especially after the recent assassination in Minnesota where the assassin disguised themself as a law enforcement officer. The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy is researching this issue with experts and advocates to understand what state-level actions are legal and enforceable.
I am grateful to everyone who has reached out to express care, concern, and strong advocacy. I am with you.
