Massachusetts town bans its employees from enforcing federal immigration rules

The Select Board of Natick, Massachusetts, approved a new immigration policy that prevents town employees from enforcing federal immigration laws.

Under the policy, employees are prohibited from inquiring about or collecting information regarding an individual’s citizenship or immigration status unless permitted by federal or state law. Employees also cannot detain individuals solely based on suspicion of their immigration status.

“No employee of the Town shall perform the functions of an immigration officer, nor shall the Town use Town funds, resources, facilities, property, equipment or personnel to directly assist in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws,” the policy states.

An exception allows police officers to serve warrants, subpoenas and detainers.

The policy has sparked intense debate and backlash in the community. Select Chair Kathryn Coughlin’s vehicle was reportedly vandalized with the phrase “deport illegals” spray-painted on it, according to CBS Boston.

“I am under the impression that it probably wasn’t even a Natick person,” Coughlin told the outlet.

On the town’s Facebook page, residents voiced their disapproval.

“Yes or no, does any insane news coming out of liberal Massachusetts surprise you anymore?” one commenter wrote.

“The taxpayers should get used to budget shortfalls and increased taxes in Natick, especially now that they voted 5-0 to adopt sanctuary city rules,” another added.

The decision follows the Boston City Council’s recent unanimous vote to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary status ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The council upheld the Trust Act, which prohibits the Boston Police Department from participating in civil immigration detainment.

“Together we’ll continue to stand with our immigrant neighbors and build a more inclusive Boston in the face of mass deportation threats,” City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said during a meeting.

Former City Councilor Josh Zakim, who authored the original Trust Act, said creating the legislation was one of his proudest achievements.

“I think in a time of polarization and hate and nastiness going back and forth, it’s important to remember what this law does here in the city of Boston,” he said.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who was on the city council when the Trust Act was enacted, told WCVB last month that the city would not cooperate with mass deportation efforts by the incoming Trump administration.

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