The Boston City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Boston Trust Act, an ordinance that limits local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The unanimous vote underscores the city’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities and maintaining public trust in law enforcement, according to Boston, a Boston news outlet.
The reaffirmation comes at a crucial time when immigrant communities across the country are facing growing uncertainty about their status and safety.
City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who sponsored the ordinance, stressed the importance of the reaffirmation at Wednesday’s meeting. “This resolution simply applies what already exists in the texts and what is already being applied. But I think our immigrant communities need to hear that we, as the Boston City Council, unanimously support them, together, via the Trust Act,” she said, according to Boston.
Her words reflect the City Council’s understanding that symbolic gestures of support carry significant weight for vulnerable communities.
Originally passed in 2014 and amended in 2019, the Boston Trust Act was designed to strengthen relations between local law enforcement and immigrant communities.
The ordinance strictly limits how and when Boston Police Department (BPD) officers interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 2019 amendments further tightened these limitations, creating clearer guidelines for law enforcement officers and stronger protections for immigrants.
Under the law, BPD agents only collaborate with ICE on public safety issues of significant importance, such as cases involving human trafficking or child exploitation. Agents are prohibited from inquiring into a person’s immigration status or assisting in the enforcement of civil immigration laws. In addition, they may not detain people with a view to possible deportation, unless a criminal arrest warrant has been issued against them. These provisions establish a clear separation between the missions of local law enforcement and the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
City Councilwoman Julia Mejia, reflecting on the significance of the ordinance, noted that fear of deportation can deter immigrants from reporting crimes or seeking help. “We already know that it’s hard to trust a government… but I hope that those listening can trust that the members of this assembly will ensure that you are cared for and protected,” she said, as Boston reports. Her comments underscore the practical public safety benefits of maintaining trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
A response to national deportation plans
The Council’s vote comes amid concerns about potential mass deportations under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Mayor Michelle Wu has strongly opposed the involvement of Boston law enforcement in such deportations. “Local law enforcement will not be expected or asked to participate in mass deportations of residents who have not been involved in serious criminal activity,” said Ms. Wu, according to Boston.com. The mayor’s stance aligns with the city’s long-standing commitment to protecting its diverse population.
Trump’s rhetoric and campaign plans have drawn widespread criticism from immigration advocates, legal experts and local government officials. He has said he would use the military to carry out deportations, although logistical challenges make nationwide efforts unlikely in the early months of his administration. However, cities like Boston could become immediate targets due to their large immigrant populations and sanctuary city policies.
Councilman Ben Weber defended the City Council’s position, citing the anti-commandeering provision of the 10th Amendment. “The City Council is actually upholding the U.S. Constitution by enforcing this ordinance,” Weber said, as Boston reports. His reference to constitutional principles underscores the legal basis for Boston’s resistance to demands to enforce federal immigration laws.
Past challenges and future commitments
The reaffirmation of the Trust Act represents Boston’s ongoing commitment to protecting its immigrant residents while maintaining effective law enforcement practices. The ordinance has built trust and cooperation within the community, demonstrating that public safety and immigrant protection can go hand in hand.
The reaffirmation also draws attention to past controversies, particularly a troubling 2017 incident in which a Boston Public Schools (BPS) report led to the expulsion of a student, highlighting the real-world consequences of information-sharing practices. Mr. Mejia, who has worked extensively with immigrant families in East Boston during this difficult period, emphasized the critical need for strong accountability measures and comprehensive trust-building initiatives between city institutions and immigrant communities.
By reaffirming the Boston Trust Act, the City Council intends to send a strong message of unwavering solidarity to immigrant communities, ensuring that Boston maintains its status as a sanctuary city for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
As Boston.com reports, this unanimous vote not only demonstrates the city’s ongoing commitment to protecting its most vulnerable populations, but also reinforces the Council’s dedication to maintaining Boston’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city, where all residents can feel safe in seeking city services without fear of immigration consequences.
City Council reaffirms rules limiting Boston Police’s cooperation with ICE on deportations