Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 629: An Act relative to sanctuary policies in the commonwealth

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1675) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to further define sanctuary policies in the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill defines sanctuary policies, which limit state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aligning with protective immigration policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3596: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

This bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits state law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, protecting civil rights and reducing overreach in criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state agencies from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, limiting state involvement in detaining immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4072: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

This bill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for eligible immigrants facing deportation. It directly affects income-eligible individuals in Massachusetts who lack legal counsel during immigration court proceedings (including detention, expedited removals, or appeals), defined as those with household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. Key mechanisms include funding competitive grants to legal providers, establishing a statewide "Coordinator" nonprofit to manage referrals and culturally responsive services, and requiring free representation starting before the first court appearance. The fund will cover legal costs, filings, interpretation, and case management for detained individuals and those at immediate risk of deportation.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly protecting immigrant rights in immigration proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1675: An Act relative to sanctuary policies in the commonwealth

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1675) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to further define sanctuary policies in the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill defines sanctuary policies, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aligning with immigrant protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 2580: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2580) of Manny Cruz, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to local and state law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits state/local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect civil rights, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRestricts state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, protecting immigrant rights and safety per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 4115: An Act relative to preventing immigration reporting and ensuring the right to legal counsel

H 4115 would prohibit state and local agencies from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities and guarantee legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings. The bill directly affects immigrants in Massachusetts facing immigration enforcement and state agencies handling their cases. Key provisions include banning the disclosure of immigration status during routine interactions and requiring that legal representation be made available during immigration hearings. This legislation specifies concrete changes to reporting practices and access to legal assistance for affected individuals.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits sharing immigration status with federal authorities and guarantees legal counsel, directly protecting immigrants from enforcement cooperation and ensuring due process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1122: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

S 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits state/local law enforcement from new/federal immigration detention agreements and ends existing ones, directly limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement per support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1127: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

S 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds for a new Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, increasing government spending on public legal services.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates state-funded legal defense fund for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly providing services to protect rights and replace limited pro bono options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 1588: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1588) of Christine P. Barber, David M. Rogers and others relative to immigration collaboration and detention agreements by law enforcement agencies. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill targets 'immigration collaboration agreements' by law enforcement, implying restriction of state-federal immigration enforcement cooperation, aligning with 'limits cooperation' indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2058: An Act relative to state compliance with detainer requests

H 2058, titled "An Act relative to state compliance with detainer requests," proposes to establish clear procedures for Massachusetts state law enforcement agencies when handling federal detainer requests from immigration authorities. The bill would require state agencies to follow specific guidelines for processing such requests, including timelines for notifying individuals and coordinating with federal officials. It directly affects state law enforcement personnel and individuals who may be subject to federal detainer requests while in state custody. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill mandates state procedures for federal detainer requests, limiting automatic compliance with immigration enforcement, aligning with 'limits cooperation' support indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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