(BOSTON 5/8/2026) — The Massachusetts Senate today passed sweeping legislation to protect residents from the Trump administration’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement.

The PROTECT Act holds federal immigration agents legally accountable for civil rights violations, bars local and state police from participating in civil federal immigration enforcement, and prohibits immigration arrests at courthouses, houses of worship, schools, hospitals, and childcare facilities.

The bill also blocks unauthorized deployment of other states’ National Guards into Massachusetts and allows parents facing detention or deportation to pre-arrange guardianship for their children.

“The President was elected on platform of using ICE to go after ‘worst of the worst,’ but in cities and towns across America, we’re seeing indiscriminate and unconstitutional overreach by federal agents – terrorizing neighborhoods, splitting families, and hurting trust in Government to do the right thing,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The PROTECT Act maintains the ability of our local law enforcement here in Massachusetts to protect our communities while ensuring state resources are not used to harass and disappear our neighbors. By taking a stand against the most cruel actions we’ve seen from agencies like ICE and Border Patrol, this bill will help keep families together, strengthen trust in local police, and protect Bay Staters in schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Although we have more to do, I’m proud that we’re taking these important steps toward making the Commonwealth a safer and more secure place to live for all.”

The legislation – S.3072, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment – delivers targeted protections for those most at risk: young children, crime victims, legal residents with complex immigration statuses, and public employees subjected to federal intimidation.

The Senate’s PROTECT Act makes clear that none of its provisions limit local law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute a crime.

Additional provisions of the bill include:

Preventing Racial Profiling and Unnecessary Immigration Checks: Prohibits state and local law enforcement from stopping, questioning, or targeting individuals based solely on immigration or citizenship status, strengthening protections against discrimination.
Strengthens Trust in Local Law Enforcement: Bars Massachusetts law enforcement from participating in new federal “287(g)” agreements that deputize local police to carry out federal immigration enforcement duties.
Protects Sensitive Community Spaces: Prohibits warrantless civil immigration arrests in sensitive locations such as schools, childcare centers, hospitals, houses of worship, and state courthouses, helping ensure residents can access essential services without fear.
Supports Families Facing Immigration Detention: Allows parents to establish pre-arranged guardianship plans so children can remain safely cared for if a parent is detained or deported.
Limits Local Involvement in Civil Immigration Enforcement: Clarifies that state and local law enforcement may not participate in civil immigration enforcement activities, including detaining individuals solely on immigration detainers or using routine stops to inquire about immigration status, while preserving full authority to enforce criminal law.
Protects Victims and Witnesses of Crime: Strengthens protections for immigrants who are victims or witnesses of crimes, including trafficking victims, and expedites visa processes so they can safely assist law enforcement and prosecutors.
Safeguards Public Employees Acting in Good Faith: Expands protections for state and municipal employees by allowing indemnification when they are acting within the scope of their official duties, shielding them from inappropriate federal intimidation or legal pressure.

The bill builds on proposals offered by the Governor, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the House of Representatives, as the Legislature and the Executive Branch recognize the gravity and urgency of these issues and work together to address them in a timely and coordinated way.

The legislation is a product of extensive input from Senators, immigrant rights groups, members of the public, and law enforcement officials.

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

The Senate passed the PROTECT Act on a 37-3 roll call vote and sent it back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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