“La gente viene a nosotros con una pregunta simple: ¿Cuándo podemos empezar a vivir sin miedo? Miedo de enviar a sus hijos a la escuela. Miedo de ir a los médicos. Miedo de simplemente vivir o amar a sus familias y criar a sus hijos en un estado al que llaman ‘mi casa,’ en un estado al que llaman hogar.” Gladys Vega, President and CEO of La Colaborativa
“People come to us with a simple question: When can we begin to live without fear? Fear for sending their children to school. Fear for going to doctors. Fear for simply living or loving their families and raising their children in a state that they call ‘mi casa,’ in a state that they call home.” Gladys Vega, President and CEO of La Colaborativa
The killing of Alex Pretti on January 24 by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis marks the second fatal shooting by ICE officers in Minnesota this month. Just weeks earlier, on January 7, Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by immigration agents in the same city after she tried to drive away from officers who surrounded her car.
But Pretti and Good are only the most visible deaths in a devastating pattern. According to Al Jazeera, at least nine people have died in connection with immigration law enforcement so far in 2026 — and we’re barely a month into the year. Six immigrants died in ICE custody, another was killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles, and Pretti and Good were shot during enforcement operations. Another ICE agent shooting victim remains in critical condition in Arizona. Last year saw 32 deaths reported in ICE custody.
“We have people right now in Massachusetts who are afraid to send their children to school or to daycare. People afraid to go to church and worship. People afraid to go to the doctors for appointments or take their kids to the pediatrician’s office. People afraid to go to court to testify as victims and witnesses. This is all making us less safe.” Governor Healey
Responding to The Moment
Yesterday at the Massachusetts State House, Governor Maura Healey announced sweeping legislation and executive action to protect immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement overreach. The packed State House event brought together advocates and community leaders from across the state, representing immigrant rights organizations and impacted immigrant communities. In a moment marked by celebration—unusual given the impact the federal administration has had on immigrant communities in MA and across the country—the coalition stood united in support of protections for Massachusetts communities from ICE brutality.
Governor Healey’s actions include both immediate executive measures and proposed legislation to restore protections that were federal policy until the Trump administration eliminated them on its first day in office. Here are the key provisions:
Executive Order (Takes Effect Immediately):
- Prohibits ICE from making civil arrests in nonpublic spaces of state buildings
- Prohibits the use of state property for staging immigration enforcement activities
- Bans state agencies from entering into any new 287(g) agreements (which empower state or local law enforcement to act as immigration officers) unless there is a clear and limited public safety need
Proposed Legislation:
- Bans warrantless civil arrests by ICE in Massachusetts courthouses
- Restricts ICE activities in churches, schools, daycares, hospitals, and health clinics—designated as “sensitive locations” where people should feel safe
- Makes it unlawful for another state to deploy its National Guard in Massachusetts without the Governor’s permission
- Allows parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported
Governor Healey’s announcement represents a critical step forward in protecting immigrant communities and restoring trust in public institutions. However, significant questions remain about enforcement and federal response. The path forward remains uncertain, but Massachusetts has drawn a clear line: sensitive spaces—schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship—must remain safe for all residents.
What You Can Do
Stay informed
Sign the Petition, and be added to MIRA’s database of volunteers, for action alerts and volunteer opportunities.
Sign up for MIRA’s weekly email bulletin to receive policy updates, resources, and ways to get involved.
Share VERIFIED information and resources
Misinformation causes harm. Make sure that you verify all resources and information before sharing with others. Always consult an attorney or accredited representative for legal advice.
If you think you see ICE, call LUCE ICE Watch – they will document and verify.
Get training and join community efforts to document and witness ICE activity
Understanding de-escalation practices, as well as your legal rights, is critical when considering engaging in witnessing ICE enforcement. LUCE, MIRA and other organizations offer bystander trainings; LUCE organizes neighborhood hubs that show up to witness and record enforcement actions, as well as provide community support and mutual aid.
Put pressure on your legislators – they need to hear from YOU
Call or email your legislators today to make your voice heard.
Support and volunteer for mutual aid efforts in your community
Find a mutual aid group in your community; or start one. Operation Milkweed is one way to get involved.
Support the work being done by MIRA and MIRA Coalition member organizations
MIRA is just one of many organizations engaged in this work. You can support MIRA’s work here, and find a list of coalition members here.
ICE violence is not inevitable — it’s a policy choice that can be changed through organized pressure. Every action we take moves us closer to a Massachusetts where all people can live with dignity and safety. MIRA Coalition continues to monitor enforcement actions and organize for policy change, but this work requires all of us.
“Nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts – and those engaging a threshold of 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change.” The ‘3.5% rule’: How a small minority can change the world
(Harvard Kennedy School – Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights)