Boston, MA– Governor Maura Healey’s recent appearance on WCVB’s On the Record was a masterclass in political spin. Time and again, the Governor’s statements contradicted the actions and policies of her administration.
When asked about cooperation with ICE and the recent arrests by federal agents, Healey claimed, “I have no problem with taking people off the streets who are committing violent crimes, who are engaged in drug trafficking,” and insisted Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state.
MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale was quick to call out the blatant contradiction:
“Governor Healey’s rhetoric does not align with reality. She claims to support working with ICE, yet refuses to back efforts to reverse the 2017 Lunn Decision, which prevents courts and municipalities from honoring ICE detainers. Time and again, illegal immigrants arrested for heinous crimes in Massachusetts have been released due to the state’s sanctuary policies—despite active ICE detainers. For the Governor to suggest she has ‘no problem’ working with ICE to remove dangerous criminals is simply false, and it’s even more egregious for her to claim Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state. The policies she defends are precisely what make it one.”
When pressed about public safety, Healey asserted, “In Massachusetts, the facts are we’re among the safest states in the country.” Carnevale pushed back:
“It is outrageous for the Governor to make this claim when, under her leadership, over 200 illegal immigrants charged or convicted of horrific crimes have been allowed to remain in our communities—interacting with our children and families. How can she call Massachusetts ‘safe’ when thousands of individuals live here with identities and criminal histories entirely unknown? Her words don’t match the facts.”
The Governor’s mischaracterization of the Lunn Decision further exposed her misleading narrative:
“The Lunn Decision does the exact opposite of what the Governor claims. It blocks our courts and law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers. Because of this ruling, illegal immigrants arrested for serious crimes in Massachusetts are routinely released back into our communities. It is one of the biggest reasons dangerous criminals remain on our streets.”
On illegal immigration, Healey went even further, arguing that her approach is “working.” Carnevale responded:
“How can Governor Healey possibly believe her extreme progressive policies on public safety and illegal immigration are ‘working’? Just last week, the federal government had to intervene and remove over 200 criminal illegal immigrants from Massachusetts. Why did it take ICE to step in and protect our communities? Because Governor Healey and her administration refuse to enforce the law. Her policies endanger Massachusetts residents—plain and simple.”
Housing: Another Failed Promise
Governor Healey touted her housing policy as a major achievement, claiming her administration has created 4,000 new housing units while acknowledging the state needs 220,000. Carnevale didn’t hold back:
“The Governor boasts about 4,000 new units while admitting the state needs 220,000. That’s a dismal record for her so-called ‘top priority.’ Worse, her radical green energy mandates have made development in Massachusetts even more expensive and nearly impossible to justify financially. If this is her crowning achievement, it speaks volumes about how disastrous her tenure has been.”
Migrant Crisis: An Avoidable Disaster
Attempting to deflect blame, Healey claimed she “inherited” the migrant crisis and touted a reduction in shelter numbers. Carnevale set the record straight:
“We know that’s simply not true. Under Governor Baker, there was no migrant crisis. FOIA documents obtained by the MassGOP reveal a surge in crimes within migrant shelters under Healey’s watch. She and the Democratic supermajority in the legislature are directly responsible for this disaster. Any reduction in numbers isn’t due to her leadership—it’s because the federal government has been forced to intervene.”
The Governor also claimed taxpayer spending on the crisis is decreasing, but Carnevale exposed the truth:
“Healey’s claim that the state is spending less is just political cover. Strong reporting has shown that migrants aren’t leaving the system—they’re simply being moved from hotels into taxpayer-subsidized apartments across the state. Massachusetts taxpayers are on the hook for over a billion dollars a year due to her refusal to act. Instead of fixing the problem, she’s hiding the spending.”
Energy Policy: Healey’s Hypocrisy
On rising utility bills, Healey admitted, “We need more energy into the region.” Carnevale found this statement laughable:
“The Governor’s hypocrisy couldn’t be clearer. As Attorney General, she actively blocked two natural gas pipelines that would have provided relief to Massachusetts families. Now, she has the audacity to claim we need more energy while refusing to take responsibility for the crisis she created. If she hadn’t blocked those pipelines, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Healey’s Legacy: A State in Crisis
Carnevale concluded with a stark warning for Massachusetts voters:
“Governor Healey tells one story, but the facts tell another. She claims she’s cutting taxes while pushing new ones on cars, candy, and prescription drugs. She says she supports ICE while refusing to reverse policies that shield criminal illegal immigrants. She claims she’s helping developers while championing regulations that make housing unaffordable. She’s a savvy politician—but a terrible executive. That’s a dangerous combination for Massachusetts.”
“Fortunately, voters will have a clear choice in the coming months. The MassGOP is proud to support strong Republican candidates who will put the people of Massachusetts first and build a state that works for everyone.”
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