Protecting Massachusetts Communities campaign
Campaign launch and rally on the State House steps
Watch the recap video
Protecting Massachusetts Communities Rally In Support Of Immigrants
Given the current climate and changes to immigration enforcement, advocates, labor unions, lawyers, faith leaders and impacted communities have come together to support a joint set of priority protections that address harmful changes immigration enforcement. The Safe Communities Act needs to be strengthened to meet these shared joint priority protections. These priority protections include the following:
- Banning future 287(g) Agreements – With the huge unprecedented expansion of funding for ICE, there are significant federal resources for state and local governments to do immigration enforcement on behalf of ICE (already included in SCA).
- Prohibiting informal partnerships with local law enforcement and ICE – Local law enforcement agencies should not be working with agencies like ICE to make civil immigration arrests. Using local law enforcement as an extension of ICE erodes trust and prevents residents from reporting actual crimes or emergencies. (already in SCA but strengthened to close loopholes)
- Prohibition of questioning by courts and police officials about immigration status – This provision enables immigrant workers, domestic violence survivors, tenants, and others to report exploitation, abuse and other crimes to public safety authorities without fear of immigration consequences (already included in SCA).
Our coalition’s priority is to also pass the Immigrant Legal Defense Act (S.1127 / H.1954) which creates funding to ensure access to legal counsel for immigrants who are at imminent risk of deportation and cannot afford an attorney. Immigrants are five times more likely to win relief from deportation if they are represented by counsel. Detained immigrants with a lawyer are ten times more likely.
Check out the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Campaign Toolkit for communications resources like printable postcards and social media graphics and text!
ACTION ALERT!
Ask your legislator to cosponsor the Immigrant Legal Defense Act and the Safe Communities Act. You can use this link to send a quick letter.
In May 2025 alone, ICE detained nearly 1,500 people in Massachusetts, including longtime residents, workers, taxpayers, parents, and neighbors who contribute deeply to our communities. Aggressive enforcement operations continue, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. Many immigrant residents of all statuses are afraid to go to work, to seek medical attention, and to send their children to school. Two bills before the state legislature would help prevent the deportation of our immigrant friends and neighbors and protect their access to justice and protection. It’s time for Massachusetts to act!
Please ask your state legislators to co-sponsor the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, and the Safe Communities Act. We’ve won the support of many legislators, but we need many more to get these bills across the finish line this session! Make your voice heard (takes less than 1 minute!)
Please fill out the form to provide your nonprofit’s endorsement.
SCA would limit voluntary police and court involvement in civil immigration matters, protect basic rights, and keep law enforcement agencies focused on public safety.
ILDA would create a funded statewide program to provide no-cost immigration legal defense to immigrants in Massachusetts who are at imminent risk of deportation, especially those held in federal immigration detention.
The Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) campaign is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: all individuals, regardless of immigration status, deserve dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law. Through unity and collaboration, we will achieve this shared vision of justice for immigrants across Massachusetts. Together, we will defend immigrant rights, challenge discrimination, and secure a future where every community member is free from fear, exploitation, and abuse.
Why We Need Your Support:
- The Fight is Now:
As the threat of mass deportations looms larger, immigrant communities are facing unprecedented challenges. The Safe Communities Act will provide crucial protections against deportation and other immigration-related harms, while funding for legal services will ensure that those at risk of deportation have access to the legal support they desperately need. - Unity is Our Strength:
This campaign isn’t just about passing laws—it’s about building solidarity and a united front across Massachusetts. Immigrant rights are human rights, and when we stand together, we can ensure that every immigrant has the opportunity to thrive without fear. - A Call to Action:
The work ahead requires strong legislative advocacy, community engagement, and active coalition-building. Together, we can push for the passage of these critical bills, protect the rights of our immigrant neighbors, and defend the values of fairness and justice that define Massachusetts.
How You can Get Involved:
- Sign MIRA’s Petition for the advancement of the rights and inclusion of all immigrants and refugees in the Commonwealth. You can sign the Petition here
- Stay in touch and stay updated! You can sign up for MIRA’s email bulletin here
- To win this fight, your state legislator will need to hear from you. Use this Action Alert link to make your voice heard
- Share information! Use this DIGITAL TOOLKIT for social media graphics and text in English, as well as messaging in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole
Resources and links to supportive data:
Immigration Court Legal Representation Dashboard (The Vera Institute)
Noncitizen Access to Legal Counsel in Immigration Court Differs by Language Spoken (TRAC Immigration)
In The Media:
State House News Service: Campaign Wants Quick Action on Immigration Bills – Legislation Seen as Way to Counter Imminent Deportation Threats
Boston Globe: Around 100 rally on the State House steps to support immigrant’s rights legislation
WBUR:Lawmakers, advocates push for more protections for immigrants in Mass.
MassLive: In Beacon Hill rally, advocates call for swift action on immigration bills
NBC10 Boston: Massachusetts immigration advocates call for stronger state-level protections
WBZ News Radio: Immigration Advocates, Lawmakers Rally On State House Steps
Fall River Reporter: Massachusetts advocates, some state lawmakers, rally on State House steps for undocumented immigrant protections
India New England News: Massachusetts Lawmakers, Immigration Advocates Gather to Launch “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” Campaign
Dorchester Reporter: Advocates urge quick Beacon Hill action on immigration bills