Bill > S1096

This bill, known as the SHIELD Act (Supporting and Honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments), aims to require law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to comply with detention requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under specific circumstances. The bill defines "law enforcement agency" broadly to include state, municipal, college, university police departments, sheriff's departments, correctional facilities, and other entities responsible for law enforcement or detaining individuals. When ICE issues a written detainer request, law enforcement agencies must comply if the individual has been convicted or charged with certain serious offenses, including aggravated felonies (like murder, rape, drug trafficking), violent crimes, criminal street gang offenses, or terrorism-related crimes. Additionally, law enforcement employees may comply with an ICE detention request if they determine the individual poses a threat to public safety. The bill expands cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities by mandating compliance with ICE detainer requests for individuals deemed potentially dangerous or involved in serious criminal activities. The legislation would take effect immediately upon its passage.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1096