As we prepare for the third ICE surge here in the Commonwealth after Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians ends February 3, we see terrifying images in Maine and Minnesota: the murders of Renee Nicole Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. ICE is breaking down doors to illegally seize people from their homes in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Forty-six thousand Haitians call Massachusetts home, the third largest population in the US. More of our neighbors, friends and families will be forcibly removed throughout our cities and towns during the expected surge.

NOW is the time to raise our voices and urge Governor Healey to sign legislation guaranteeing two immigrant protections outlined in the Protect Massachusetts Communities Campaign:

Ensure our police do not assist ICE: Massachusetts law enforcement must never assist ICE in making civil immigration arrests by taking people into custody when no crime has been committed nor ask members of the public about their immigration status. 

Don't turn police into ICE agents: ICE is pressuring and incentivizing local police departments to sign up for its 287(g) program, which turns street-level officers into ICE agents. They offer bounty-style bonuses for police forces that bring in high rates of targeted residents. Massachusetts must prevent this from happening within our borders.   

Please call or email Governor Healey today using the suggested scripts below. 

Feel free to personalize the message by adding why securing human rights for all residents is important to you. 

Call Action:

Call Governor Healey’s constituent services line at 617-725-4005 to leave a message.

Sample Call Script:

As a member of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, I urge you to sign legislation implementing important guardrails to protect Massachusetts communities from ICE’s violence: 1) ban new 287(g) agreements and 2) ensure police don’t assist ICE.

Please take immediate action to protect residents of the Commonwealth from further terror.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and complete address]

Email Action:

Find the office of constituent services web email form HERE. 

Sample Email Script:

Dear Governor Healey:

As a member of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, I urge you to sign legislation to enact the following guardrails to limit participation with ICE and protect our state from ICE’s violence:

1. Ensure our police don't assist ICE: Massachusetts law enforcement must never assist ICE in making civil immigration arrests by taking people into custody when no crime has been committed or ask members of the public about their immigration status. 

2. Don't turn police into ICE agents: ICE is pressuring and incentivizing local police departments to sign up for its 287(g) program, which turns street-level officers into ICE agents. They offer bounty-style bonuses for police forces that bring in high rates of targeted residents. Massachusetts should prevent this from happening within our borders.   

The League of Women Voters believes in the individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. We oppose threats to basic constitutional rights, including arresting and detaining people who have not been charged with any crime and denied a bond hearing. 

The League supports due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, the right to counsel, the right of appeal, and the right to humane treatment and that no person or group should suffer legal discrimination. 

As you stated during your State of the Commonwealth address, “None of this makes us safer. It shouldn’t be this way, and it needs to stop. Enough is enough.” 

Sincerely,

[Your Name and complete address]