Massachusetts Immigrants Fear Tougher Immigration Policies as Trump Takes Office!

Race Day Live  As Donald Trump takes office today, immigration policies are becoming a major concern for many immigrants in Massachusetts.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly talked about mass deportations, and now, with his presidency beginning, many immigrants, including those with temporary status, are worried about their future.

Elizabeth Sweet, the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, shared that many people are feeling anxious about what these policies will mean for them and their families.

“We’re hearing so much fear and anxiety from individuals who are really scared about what these policies will do to their lives,” Sweet said.

Trump’s promises of stricter immigration laws have made many immigrant communities feel unsafe, especially those who came to the U.S. on temporary visas or are in the country without proper documents.

People are worried about being taken away from their families and communities. Sweet explained that a lot of immigrants are concerned that they will lose their rights, leading to a lot of distress.

However, there is some reassurance from state law enforcement. Michael Bradley Jr., the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, said that local police officers cannot arrest someone solely based on a federal immigration request.

He explained that Massachusetts law enforcement cannot hold someone longer than necessary for immigration purposes.

“We can’t hold anybody in custody based on a detainer itself,” Bradley said. “If someone is arrested for a crime unrelated to immigration, we can’t keep them longer just because of an immigration hold.”

This means that even if someone is detained by local law enforcement, their release cannot be delayed by immigration authorities unless there is a separate criminal charge.

However, Bradley also mentioned that state police can notify federal authorities when an individual is released, which means they sometimes cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents when needed.

Even though local police officers may not directly enforce immigration laws, they can help federal authorities by sharing information about individuals who might be of interest to ICE.

While local law enforcement generally cooperates with federal agencies, it does not mean that immigrants are automatically in danger of being detained or deported.

Sweet and other advocates are also calling for more support for immigrants. MIRA is pushing for more state funding for legal services for immigrants.

“If someone is arrested now in the country, they have the chance to go before an immigration judge,” Sweet said. “But without an attorney, it can be really hard to win their case.

That’s why we are asking for more funding to help immigrants with legal representation so they have a fair chance in court.”

In Massachusetts, organizations like MIRA and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have been distributing “Know Your Rights” cards.

These cards provide immigrants with essential information about their rights if they are detained by ICE officers. The cards help people understand what actions they can take and how to protect themselves if they find themselves in a difficult situation.

Sweet emphasized that knowing their rights is important for immigrants, especially in these uncertain times. “We want to make sure that everyone knows what their rights are so they can protect themselves and their families,” she said.

While there is a lot of fear among immigrants, organizations like MIRA are working hard to provide support and ensure that people understand their legal rights.

As Trump begins his presidency, many immigrants in Massachusetts are watching closely to see what changes will come to the country’s immigration system.

But, for now, local law enforcement is taking steps to protect them from potential harm, and advocates are fighting for more resources to help them.

Reference