Follow
Republican Charlie Baker doesn’t agree with a recent court decision. This ruling gives police officers in Massachusetts next to zero validation for their immigration detainer requests. Only an additional document could enable them to withhold a person under these circumstances legally. However, Baker intends to change this through an upcoming bill.
Republicans Want to Allow Officers to Arrest Suspects with Just Immigration Detainer Requests
On Wednesday, the communication director of the governor, Lizzy Guyton, released a statement regarding a recent ruling. Police agent will be able to extend their collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, they have to notify ICE of any decision they take concerning criminals sought by federal authorities.
Nonetheless, Guyton stated that the administration is looking to override this legislation. They want the state police to have freedom of taking action when it comes to convicts of violent charges when ICE is not able to intervene. Therefore, Guyton claimed that Baker opposes the idea of Massachusetts as a sanctuary state.
GOP lawmakers declared during a press conference that they had filed a bill that would act as a countermeasure to Monday’s ruling. Their proposal would allow police officers to perform an arrest without a warrant. The law enforcement agency or the officers themselves need only immigration detainer requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to validate their actions.
Democrats Intend to Abide by the Recently Issued Legislation
Republicans backed this proposal stating that without the capacity to withhold a suspect, officers would have their hands tied. Rep. Shaunna O’Connell is one of them and stated that this bill has the property to turn the state of Massachusetts into a safe pass for anyone.
“It makes Massachusetts a safe haven for illegal immigrants.”
On the other hand, Democrats showed signs of perpetuating the recent bill. To them, the cooperation between immigration agents and local and state law enforcement agencies should be restricted. This way, Massachusetts adopts the necessary features of a sanctuary state.
Image source: 1
