Galvin and his fellow sponsors of S.1305/H. Leaving aside the pointless discussion of what constitutes “sanctuary,” most Americans believe that illegal aliens who commit serious crimes should be deported and that states and localities should cooperate in enforcing the law. Once again, the issue has not changed since the Obama Administration. ( )Ĭourts throughout the country have issued conflicting opinions about the status of ICE detainers, and the matter will eventually be resolved by the U.S. These orders do not compel local LEAs to assist in apprehending anyone. Trump’s executive orders of Januwere concerned with a) travel restrictions on persons from countries with high risk of terrorism (since upheld by the Supreme Court), and 2) measures to streamline enforcement and to encourage closer federal-state cooperation. Despite fundamental differences between Obama and Trump on immigration, their policies on deporting criminal aliens are basically the same. When the Obama Administration prioritized deportation of criminals in 2012, some localities began refusing to cooperate, a refusal that continues today. This bill has very little to do with policies of the Trump Administration. Its only effect is to shield detainees already in custody. This bill has no impact on relations between LEAs and illegal aliens in the community who have not broken local laws. * Stipulate that immigration status cannot be a factor in bail determinations. All such programs were adopted voluntarily by their respective communities. Since its launch during the Clinton administration, the State Police, Mass Corrections, Framingham PD and Bristol County have participated in this program. * Prevent LEAs from participating in the 287(g)-partnership program. * Prohibit sharing of information in state databases (e.g., the address of a fugitive or suspect) with ICE. * Prevent officials from using any state resources to assist in immigration enforcement, including holding a criminal alien until ICE can take custody. * Prevent ICE from questioning suspected criminal alien detainees in jail. The LEA could not ask ICE about the immigration status of rapists, murderers, armed robbers, or drunk drivers. * Prohibit LEAs from inquiring about a detainee’s immigration status unless it is an element in the crime. Galvin seems reluctant to provide a truthful description of the bill. Now, when the truth matters more than ever, Mr. Galvin and his fellow sponsors of Bill S.1305/H.3269 would severely restrict future cooperation with ICE - even when the community wants to cooperate. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in most Massachusetts communities regularly exchange information about persons held in custody for crimes with the federal authorities, including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bill Galvin’s recent guest column in the Canton Citizen concerning his support for the Safe Communities Act. The following letter is in response to state Rep.