The Boston City Council unanimously voted to reaffirm the Trust Act, a measure aimed at obstructing President-elect Trump's plans for mass deportations. The Trust Act, initially passed in 2014 and amended in 2019, seeks to safeguard immigrant communities from unjust enforcement actions.
Under this law, Boston police are restricted from cooperating with ICE and are prohibited from detaining migrants for deportation without a criminal warrant. The council members emphasized that proposals for mass deportations pose a direct threat to immigrant families and community cohesion.
The resolution adopted by the council underscores the city's commitment to protecting immigrant residents and upholding the Trust Act in the face of changing federal leadership. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune highlighted Boston's identity as a city built on diverse communities and reiterated the city's dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has pledged non-cooperation with Trump's deportation plans, emphasizing the city's responsibility to protect its residents from actions that could instill fear and have adverse economic impacts. The city's stance comes after recent ICE arrests of illegal immigrants charged with serious offenses, including child sex crimes.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has echoed Boston's commitment to using all available resources to shield residents from mass deportations, with state police refusing to assist in such operations. Democratic leaders in other states, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have also vowed to resist Trump's deportation initiatives.
In response to resistance from local leaders, ICE officials have issued warnings, emphasizing their determination to carry out enforcement actions. The ongoing debate between federal and local authorities underscores the complex dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement policies in the United States.
