Wu executive order condemns ICE actions in Minnesota, outlines Boston’s response to any local operations
Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order Thursday condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) egregious acts of violence in Minneapolis, including the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
“An Executive Order To Protect Bostonians From Unconstitutional and Violent Federal Operations” provides direction for city officials on how to protect residents from illegal federal overreach and affirms that Boston will hold federal officials accountable for their criminal conduct.
It establishes that the Boston Police will follow longstanding de-escalation practices to ensure public safety and that they will respond to unlawful acts, including the warrantless entry of private property. Body-camera and other city recordings depicting unlawful activity by federal agents will be made publicly available, consistent with Massachusetts Public Record Law.
Police will also be tasked with investigating any crimes committed by federal officials within the city and, if appropriate, will make referrals to the Suffolk County and Massachusetts Attorneys General.
Additionally, ICE will be barred from using municipal property, including City buildings, parks, and parking lots, for its operations. It also prohibits immigration enforcement in non-public City spaces, including schools, libraries, and community centers.
The order will not interfere with the execution of court orders, lawful judicial warrants, or the enforcement of criminal law.
“Boston stands in solidarity with communities across the region to protect our residents amid the attacks of a reckless and dangerous federal administration,” said Wu. “Our City will take every action to de-escalate, ensure safety, and protect the people of Boston.”
Wu was joined by municipal leaders from across the commonwealth, including Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Newton Mayor Marc C. Laredo, and the City Managers of Chelsea and Cambridge, Fidel Maltez and Yi-An Huang.
“The federal tactics we have seen around the country have created fear, mistrust, and real risks to public safety. We do not control federal policy, but we will stand up for our community and act to ensure transparency and accountability for federal actions,” said Huang. “This Executive Order reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every resident – regardless of immigration status – deserves dignity, safety, and respect, and can feel safe in their homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our community.”
Though ICE operations have not spread to Boston en masse, District 5 Councilor Enrique Pepen confirmed in a statement that a resident was abducted by ICE agents in Rozzie Square that morning.
“No one should be scared to do their daily errands regardless of their status – especially in our vibrant community,” he said. “Make no mistake, these abductions do not make anyone safe. Neighbors caring for neighbors do.”
The council unanimously passed an emergency resolution last week condemning the shootings of Good and Pretti and the other individuals who have died as a result of interactions with ICE or while in ICE custody.
“No government agency has the authority to act as the judge, jury, and executioner,” said co-sponsor Gabriela Coletta Zapata. “Boston has a responsibility to say that out loud, and it is a declaration that Boston will not be silent when federal power is abused.”
