Press Room

PROTECT Act Creates New Accountability for Federal Agents and Keeps Local Police Out of Civil Immigration Enforcement

(BOSTON—5/7/2026) The Massachusetts Senate this morning took up sweeping legislation to protect residents from the Trump administration’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement.

To protect immigrants in Massachusetts, the legislation holds federal immigration agents legally accountable for civil rights violations, bars local and state police from participating in civil federal immigration enforcement, and prohibits immigration arrests at courthouses, houses of worship, schools, hospitals, and childcare facilities.

The Senate’s PROTECT Act delivers targeted protections for those most at risk: young children, crime victims, legal residents with complex immigration statuses, and public employees subjected to federal intimidation.

It also makes clear that none of its provisions limit local law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute a crime.

“Today, the Massachusetts Senate is taking action to protect immigrant families, defend constitutional rights, and stand up to the fear and cruelty being fueled by Donald Trump’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Across our Commonwealth, we are seeing children torn from their parents, students pulled off the street, and families living in fear—and we refuse to accept that as normal in Massachusetts.”

“The PROTECT Act is comprehensive legislation that defends the values enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution, particularly equal protection under the law for all,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This bill will increase protections for our residents, spells out plainly and clearly that Massachusetts law enforcement officers are not responsible for aiding civil immigration enforcement, and importantly, stands up for our immigrant community in the face of an adversarial federal government. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, my colleagues in the Senate, especially members of the Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the advocates and stakeholders who contributed immensely to the strengthening of this bill.”

“My parents came to Lawrence with very little and gave everything they had to this community. That same story is being lived by immigrant families across our Gateway Cities today. They are our neighbors, our teachers, our health care workers, our small business owners. The people who keep Massachusetts moving,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), a member of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. “The PROTECT Act makes clear that no matter what happens in Washington, Massachusetts will not allow our institutions or our communities to be weaponized against the people who helped build them. Today we made clear whose side we are on. This is an important step forward, but the fight to protect dignity and basic humanity is far from over.”

The bill builds on proposals offered by the Governor, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the House of Representatives, as the Legislature and the Executive Branch recognize the gravity and urgency of these issues and work together to address them in a timely and coordinated way.

The Senate opened debate on the major legislation—S.3072, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment—at a formal session today and began considering the 76 proposed amendments to the bill.

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

Statements of Support

Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition

and Lenita Reason, Executive Director of the Brazilian Workers Center

—On behalf of the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition:

“We are immensely grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, the Senate Steering and Policy Committee chaired by Senator Cindy Friedman, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and members of the Senate who have thoughtfully engaged with stakeholders for many months to develop this strong legislation to protect our immigrant neighbors and all Massachusetts residents. This bill sends a powerful message to ICE that their illegal actions and harmful tactics are unwelcome in Massachusetts. To keep our communities safe, individuals must be able to trust local officials and law enforcement. When people are afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or engage with public institutions, entire communities are put at risk. At a time when immigrant communities across the Commonwealth face increased fear and uncertainty, this legislation represents a critical step in standing up for our neighbors and our values. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass the PROTECT Act and look forward to seeing the strongest possible legislation passed into law and signed by the Governor as soon as possible.”

Carol Rose, Executive Director, ACLU of Massachusetts

“We are deeply appreciative of the Senate’s dedication to pushing back on the worst excesses of the Trump administration and ICE’s lawless and brutal tactics in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth needs the PROTECT Act and we need it now. We are grateful to the many lawmakers and advocates who have worked tirelessly to protect our immigrant neighbors and improve safety and trust for all Massachusetts residents.”

Maroni Minter, Political Director, MIRA Coalition

“To keep cities and towns across Massachusetts safe, people must trust state and local law enforcement officers and these officers must be able to do their jobs, not the work of federal agents. Our immigrant neighbors must be able to move safely to work, school, doctor’s appointments and more without fear that they will never see their loved ones again. The grim reality is that we must pass legislation to protect civil rights and due process from the militaristic actions of our federal government, actions that are incompatible with democratic values. We commend the Senate President, her leadership team, and the Black and Latino Caucus for their vital work with this new legislation and for all Massachusetts leaders for continuing to stand up to protect Massachusetts communities.”

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