Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has publicly condemned recent actions by federal immigration authorities, describing them as increasingly disconnected from public safety and instead aimed at instilling fear in local communities. In a strong statement, she expressed deep concern over what she considers to be alarming trends in enforcement tactics.
“The actions we are seeing from ICE increasingly seem to be less about public safety and more about creating fear in our communities,” said Governor Healey. “I’m deeply concerned by many of the actions we are seeing from ICE,” she added.
Her remarks come amid a rise in reported ICE activity across the state, prompting concern from immigrant rights advocates and local officials alike.
Governor Healey reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and constitutional protections. “As Governor, I’m going to continue to speak out against those who think due process and rule of law are things they don’t have to abide by,” she stated.
She concluded with a clear defense of democratic principles: “The Constitution isn’t a suggestion,” she declared. Her comments align with a growing number of local leaders speaking out against what they view as abusive and arbitrary immigration enforcement practices.
According to several local media outlets, ICE agents have recently been spotted in areas traditionally considered safe by immigrant communities. Some reports suggest that operations may be targeting domestic workers, including those caring for children — claims that federal immigration officials have since denied.
In response to the uptick in ICE activity, the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts has launched a dedicated defense hotline for individuals who suspect immigration agents are operating in their neighborhoods. The LUCE emergency hotline can be reached at 617-370-5023, and operates daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. It provides multilingual assistance in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole, and more.
The hotline aims to offer immediate support, document reports of ICE presence, and protect vulnerable individuals. Amid a tense climate, advocacy groups continue to stress the importance of access to reliable information, legal assistance, and stronger oversight of federal immigration operations within the state.
