Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed strong concerns about the lack of communication and transparency from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the arrest of approximately 40 individuals on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard on Tuesday. She described the news of the federal actions as “very disturbing,” noting that local law enforcement had “zero information” about the operations.
Healey criticized ICE for not coordinating with state or local authorities, stating, “We have no information about their circumstances,” and raised “real questions” about whether ICE was complying with due process in Massachusetts and other states. She emphasized the need for answers and clarification from ICE, particularly regarding the arrests of individuals who were not necessarily criminals but were “moms and dads, neighbors, coworkers” taken away, sometimes on their way to work.
While Healey supported cooperation with federal and local law enforcement to target criminals, she highlighted that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state and that state police cannot assist ICE on civil immigration matters due to a state court ruling prohibiting arrests based solely on immigration status.
Healey expressed concern about the impact of the arrests on communities, stating, “It’s concerning when we see people… being ripped away from families.”
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