The Boston City Council voted unanimously this week to reaffirm the “Trust Act,” a local law aimed at restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The move comes as city leaders brace for the impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s planned mass deportations.
First passed in 2014 and amended in 2019, the Trust Act limits Boston police from detaining individuals for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless a criminal warrant is issued. Council member Gabriela Coletta called the measure a vital step to safeguard immigrant communities, while the council’s resolution warned that Trump’s plans represent a direct attack on families and threaten to tear communities apart.
Council President Ruthzee Louijeune emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting all residents, asserting that “as the national climate grows increasingly hostile towards immigrant communities, we must reaffirm who we are as a city.” Mayor Michelle Wu echoed this sentiment, stating that Boston would not cooperate with federal deportation efforts. Wu described Trump’s plans as counterproductive, claiming they instill fear and cause economic harm.
State and local officials in Massachusetts, including Governor Maura Healey, have also pledged resistance. Healey vowed that state police would not assist federal immigration enforcement.
The Trust Act and similar policies have sparked debate, particularly as ICE reports instances of violent offenders being released due to non-cooperation. In November, ICE apprehended a Colombian national in Boston charged with crimes involving child exploitation after a detainer request had been ignored. Such cases have drawn criticism from federal authorities, who argue these policies endanger public safety.
Nationally, other Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have signaled their intent to resist Trump’s immigration plans. Johnston drew attention by suggesting Denver police would physically block ICE agents, a statement that prompted a sharp response from Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan.
Homan warned local leaders against obstructing ICE, stating he is prepared to prosecute those who interfere with federal operations. “Get the hell out of the way,” he cautioned, underscoring his determination to enforce immigration law.
