Massachusetts is in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. ICE activity is ramping up, and it’s already been disrupting our communities by kidnapping locals and antagonizing people trying to document it. Here are a few ongoing efforts to be aware of to help the people around us and protect civil liberties for all of us:
LUCE hotline
The LUCE hotline is part watchdog, part support network, part documentation. They’ve been doing great work keeping our communities in the loop. Clue them in if ICE is in your area–and if you can help, even better.
Safe Communities Act
Highlights:
- Prohibits law enforcement from asking about someone’s immigration status unless required by a judge
- Requires due process for ICE interviews
- Mandates that DHS detainees must be informed of their rights
- Restricts when law enforcement can notify DHS of someone’s release
- Necessitates training for law enforcement on these new requirements
- Bans local law enforcement from acting as federal immigration enforcement
Dignity Not Deportations Act
Highlights:
- Bans state, country, and local governments from starting or continuing contracts with the federal government relating to immigration enforcement and detention
- Permits private lawsuits
Immigrant Legal Defense Act
Highlights:
- Creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to pay for free legal representation for low-income immigrants and refugees in deportation/removal proceedings
- Gives priority to those in imminent risk of deportation
Contact your legislators
To support these initiatives, find and contact your legislators today!
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