Boston’s New Approach: Redefining Local Cooperation with Federal Immigration Policies

Boston’s Police Commissioner Michael Cox reaffirms the city’s non-cooperation with ICE, sparking debate on public safety and federal relations.

Key Insights

Boston Police Department does not enforce ICE civil immigration detainers, as per Commissioner Michael Cox.
The policy aligns with the Boston “Trust Act” and a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling.
Mayor Michelle Wu supports this stance, prioritizing community trust and safety.
ICE argues that such policies may endanger communities by necessitating high-risk public arrests.
Concerns exist about potential federal funding cuts due to Boston’s sanctuary city status.

Boston’s Firm Stance on Immigration Enforcement

In a bold declaration that has ignited controversy, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox has reaffirmed the city’s policy of non-cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) civil detainers. This stance, supported by Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration, underscores Boston’s commitment to the “Trust Act” and adherence to legal frameworks such as the Lunn vs. Commonwealth ruling.

Commissioner Cox emphasized the department’s focus on crime prevention and community safety, regardless of an individual’s immigration status. He stated unequivocally, “We don’t enforce” ICE detainers, highlighting the clear distinction between local law enforcement responsibilities and federal immigration enforcement.

Legal Foundations and Community Trust

The Boston Police Department’s position is rooted in both local and state law. The “Trust Act,” passed by the Boston City Council, explicitly limits cooperation with ICE detainer requests. Furthermore, a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling reinforced this stance, determining that local law enforcement lacks the authority to hold individuals solely on the basis of federal civil immigration detainers.

Commissioner Cox reinforced this legal framework, stating, “Don’t have authority to enforce federal immigration law.” This clear delineation of roles is seen as crucial for maintaining community trust and ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with local police.

Federal Concerns and Local Priorities

The stance taken by Boston has not been without controversy. ICE officials argue that such non-cooperation policies can potentially endanger communities by forcing federal agents to conduct more high-risk arrests in public settings. This concern highlights the tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local community policing strategies.

You should be ashamed of yourselves #PoliceCommissioner @bostonpolice…not bragging abt this. https://t.co/VSw680wDxh

— C-Bubbles (@milscarf) January 7, 2025

Despite these federal concerns, Commissioner Cox remains steadfast in prioritizing local safety needs. He reiterated, “We just don’t do that” in reference to enforcing ICE detainers, emphasizing the department’s focus on criminal matters rather than civil immigration enforcement.

Potential Ramifications and Future Outlook

The policy has raised questions about potential federal funding cuts to Boston due to its sanctuary city status. However, Commissioner Cox expressed confidence in the continuation of federal support for local law enforcement efforts. “Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox says he’s confident federal support won’t be ‘undone’ despite the city’s sanctuary status.”

This optimism comes despite the Department of Justice’s previous actions to freeze funding to sanctuary cities. The potential impact on Boston’s relationship with federal law enforcement partners remains a point of uncertainty, with Commissioner Cox acknowledging the need for continued cooperation on matters of mutual concern, such as combating organized crime and terrorism.

As Boston continues to navigate the complex interplay between local governance, community safety, and federal immigration policies, the city’s stance serves as a focal point in the broader national debate on immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement in federal initiatives.