Press Release: 7/31/2026

Responding to ICE

 

I’m thrilled to report that conferees have finalized an agreement on the PROTECT Act — our comprehensive response to ICE. We will send it to the Governor later today.

I am especially glad that the final package includes the language I contributed that will allow people in Massachusetts to sue federal agents who violate their rights.  Only a few other states have created a statute on this model.

This bill protects immigrants from ICE overreach and protects the civil rights of all people in Massachusetts. It implements four major ideas:

• Local police should do local public safety, not federal civil immigration work.


• Schools, courts, and hospitals should be safe — no civil arrests in these spaces without a judge’s warrant.


• No one should be above the law. Constitutional rights should be enforceable — even against federal agents.


• We should protect victims and families: Crime victims can come forward safely; parents can protect their kids.

Read more at the Senate Press Room.