Bill > H2009

This bill, known as the Supporting and Honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD) Act, would require law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to comply with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention requests under specific circumstances. The bill defines "law enforcement agency" broadly to include state, municipal, college, university, and sheriff's departments, as well as correctional facilities and courts. When ICE issues a written detainer request, agencies must hold an individual if they have been convicted or charged with certain serious offenses, including aggravated felonies (like murder or drug trafficking), violent crimes, criminal street gang offenses, or terrorism-related crimes. Additionally, law enforcement employees can comply with an ICE detention request if they determine the individual poses a threat to public safety. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, essentially mandating closer cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities by requiring them to hold individuals who may be subject to federal immigration enforcement actions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2009