Bill > H2573

This bill establishes mandatory cooperation requirements for local and state law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation defines key terms and mandates that law enforcement agencies must honor ICE immigration detainers, which are requests to hold individuals believed to be subject to removal for up to 48 hours beyond their normal release time. Agencies are required to share information about an individual's immigration status when requested, and participate in joint task forces with ICE when possible. The bill includes some important exceptions, such as protecting individuals' constitutional rights and allowing agencies to decline detaining someone without independent probable cause for a criminal charge. The Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission will develop training programs to help agencies understand their new legal obligations, and the state will provide resources to support compliance. Local law enforcement must submit annual reports detailing their interactions with ICE, including the number of detainers received and individuals transferred. Agencies that fail to comply could face potential consequences, including review by the Attorney General and possible withholding of state funding. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2573