In the wake of Mayor Michelle Wu’s upcoming congressional testimony defending Boston’s policies on immigrant communities, a heated debate is brewing between the city and representatives of the Trump administration, along with Republican lawmakers. The clash centers on the extent to which local law enforcement should aid in deportations.
Tensions heightened after a speech by Tom Homan, a former border official from the Trump era, who criticized Boston’s police commissioner at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Homan alleged that there are nine suspected “child rapists” incarcerated in Boston whom local authorities have refused to turn over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He vowed a visit to the city under fiery terms. However, ICE representatives did not provide additional details on these cases, nor did Homan clarify any travel plans.
The situation in Boston isn’t unique; across the United States, ICE has accused local and state officials of not cooperating in the deportation of individuals charged with violent offenses. At an upcoming House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Wu will be accompanied by mayors from Chicago, New York, and Denver, all navigating the terrain of what it means to be designated a “sanctuary city.”
Sanctuary cities like Boston limit collaboration with federal immigration enforcement for individuals accused but not convicted of crimes, adhering to state or local laws that prevent handing over immigrants simply due to their undocumented status. Sussex County District Attorney Kevin Hayden remarked that the role of local authorities is to ensure accountability for serious offenses; decisions regarding deportation rest solely with the federal government and ICE.
Hayden also posited that surrendering suspects to immigration authorities could frighten immigrant communities, impeding cooperation with law enforcement and undermining justice for victims. He expressed that immigration fears should not thwart accountability, as testimonies remain crucial in legal proceedings despite technological advances like video evidence.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox iterated that local police are not empowered to enforce federal immigration laws or detain individuals on the basis of illegal residency alone, as immigration status often has no bearing on public safety. The Boston Trust Act, revised in 2018, enables police involvement with ICE in significant public safety threats like human trafficking and major crimes but limits engagement in civil immigration matters. Moreover, a 2017 state court ruling prohibits Massachusetts authorities from detaining individuals solely on federal immigration requests.
Mayor Wu, running for re-election, condemned Homan’s remarks as “clueless” and stressed Boston’s identity as a city welcoming to immigrants. Governor Maura Healey also decried Homan’s statements as unproductive. District Attorney Hayden invited meaningful dialogue on immigration but dismissed hostile rhetoric.
Faith leaders in Boston have voiced concerns over the atmosphere of fear gripping immigrant communities, illustrating that anxiety extends beyond undocumented individuals. Arlene Hall, a local minister, emphasized the pervasive fear reshaping everyday lives.
On the campaign trail, Wu’s challenger, Democrat Josh Kraft, expressed support for targeting violent offenders for deportation but rejected the notion of widespread deportations and criticized Homan’s combative language.
The broader implications for non-compliant cities remain uncertain. Republican legislators have circulated a video painting Mayor Wu and other mayors as opponents, with suggestions of cutting federal funding over alleged legal defiance. The Trump administration is already contesting several jurisdictions legally over non-cooperation. Despite this pressure, cities like Chelsea and Somerville in Massachusetts are pushing back, challenging the administration in court over constitutional rights violation claims.
