Massachusetts House Passes PROTECT Act, Drawing Praise from Immigrant Advocacy Groups
Coalition including MIRA Coalition and ACLU of Massachusetts calls vote a “crucial step” toward limiting ICE cooperation
BOSTON — The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed its version of the PROTECT Act, legislation aimed at placing new limits on how state and local authorities collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Immigrant rights advocates quickly praised the move, calling it a significant step toward strengthening protections for immigrant communities across the state.
In a joint statement issued on behalf of the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition, Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the MIRA Coalition, and Lenita Reason, executive director of the Brazilian Workers Center, described the vote as “a crucial step” in addressing what they characterized as harmful federal immigration enforcement practices.
“Today’s overwhelming vote by the House of Representatives is a crucial step to ensure Massachusetts establishes meaningful protections against the violent, unlawful actions of ICE,” the statement read. “We are sick of watching ICE rampage through our communities, tearing apart families, friends, and neighbors and upending our economy and workforce.”
The proposed legislation would restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, reflecting growing concerns among advocates that such collaboration undermines community trust and public safety.
Advocates said public pressure has played a key role in advancing the bill. “Over the past months, members of the public have said clearly to state officials: Don’t collaborate with ICE, and don’t let our local police become ICE agents,” the statement continued.
The coalition also thanked several state leaders for their role in advancing the measure, including House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Representative Andres Vargas, and Representative Carlos González, along with other legislative supporters and caucuses.
The bill now heads to the Massachusetts Senate, where advocates say they will continue pushing for passage. They also expressed hope that Maura Healey will support the legislation.
The Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition is chaired by the MIRA Coalition and the Brazilian Workers Center and includes a broad alliance of labor, civil rights, and advocacy organizations. Among them are the ACLU of Massachusetts, SEIU State Council, SEIU 32BJ, 1199 SEIU, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action.
Supporters say the legislation is intended to protect immigrant communities while ensuring that state and local resources are not used to enforce federal immigration policies. Further debate is expected as the bill moves through the legislative process.
