Boston: Council Supports PROTECT Act to Safeguard Immigrant Rights

~ Boston City Council Supports Legislation to Protect Immigrants and Limit Local Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement

In a unanimous decision, the Boston City Council has adopted a resolution in support of H.D. 5608, also known as the "PROTECT Act." This legislation, proposed by Councilors Weber and Culpepper, aims to strengthen oversight, safeguard constitutional rights, and limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The resolution highlights concerns about recent actions taken by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that have targeted immigrants and protesters. These actions include detentions at courthouses and violations of First, Second, and Fourth Amendment rights. One such case mentioned is the detention of Djeniffer Benvinda Ribeiro Semeda, a pregnant Cape Verdean national in February 2026.

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The Council's resolution also reaffirms their commitment to the Boston Trust Act, which restricts local police from cooperating with federal civil immigration enforcement. The PROTECT Act, filed by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, would take this a step further by prohibiting all local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE for civil offenses statewide. It would also prohibit any new 287(g) agreements and ensure detainees' rights are protected in detention facilities. Additionally, it would grant the Massachusetts Attorney General the power to enforce compliance.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of protecting safe access to courts for all residents of Boston regardless of their immigration status. It also aims to restore trust in local law enforcement and uphold the rights of all Boston residents. With this resolution in place, the City Council hopes to send a strong message that they stand with their immigrant community and will do everything in their power to protect their rights.

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