Friedman-led Legislation Creates New Accountability for Federal Agents and Keeps Local Police Out of Civil Immigration Enforcement
(BOSTON—5/7/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today passed sweeping legislation to protect residents from the Trump administration’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington)—who led the Senate’s PROTECT Act efforts as Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy—voted in support of the legislation, which passed on a bipartisan roll call vote of 37-3.
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.
“Today, the Massachusetts Senate is taking action to protect immigrant families, defend constitutional rights, and stand up to the fear and cruelty being fueled by Donald Trump’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Across our Commonwealth, we are seeing children torn from their parents, students pulled off the street, and families living in fear—and we refuse to accept that as normal in Massachusetts.”
“The PROTECT Act is comprehensive legislation that defends the values enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution, particularly equal protection under the law for all,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This bill will increase protections for our residents, spells out plainly and clearly that Massachusetts law enforcement officers are not responsible for aiding civil immigration enforcement, and importantly, stands up for our immigrant community in the face of an adversarial federal government. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, my colleagues in the Senate, especially members of the Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the advocates and stakeholders who contributed immensely to the strengthening of this bill.”
“My parents came to Lawrence with very little and gave everything they had to this community. That same story is being lived by immigrant families across our Gateway Cities today. They are our neighbors, our teachers, our health care workers, our small business owners. The people who keep Massachusetts moving,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), a member of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. “The PROTECT Act makes clear that no matter what happens in Washington, Massachusetts will not allow our institutions or our communities to be weaponized against the people who helped build them. Today we made clear whose side we are on. This is an important step forward, but the fight to protect dignity and basic humanity is far from over.”
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.
The PROTECT Act was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on March 18, 2026. The House passed a version of the bill on March 25, 2025. The Committee on Steering and Policy also considered policies recommended by Governor Maura Healey in outside sections of a supplemental budget she filed on January 29, 2026 (H.5050), among other proposals before the Legislature.
After its passage in the Senate today, the PROTECT Act is sent back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Additional details of the legislation, including the bill text and a fact sheet, are available on Senator Friedman’s website at cindyfriedman.org/PROTECT.
Statements of Support
Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), Chair of the Immigration Caucus; Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary
“When we talk about public safety, we have to be clear—our communities are safest when every resident can live, work, and seek help without fear. That includes keeping our courts safe and ensuring they remain places where justice is accessible to all. Representing a district with a large immigrant population, I see every day how fear and uncertainty can push people into the shadows. The PROTECT Act draws a clear line, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a place where rights are respected and families are protected. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and my fellow Black and Latino Caucus members for moving this forward with urgency and purpose.”
Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston), Vice Chair of the Black and Latino Caucus; Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
“The Senate’s advancement of the PROTECT Act is a strong step forward at a time when many of our immigrant families are living with real fear and uncertainty,” said. “The Senate has built on this work in meaningful ways, strengthening protections around information sharing, making clear that state resources cannot be used to support civil immigration enforcement, and closing loopholes that allow indirect cooperation with ICE. Just as importantly, this bill ensures local officials have the clarity and authority to say no, prevents unnecessary detention and transfers, and creates real accountability so people can enforce their rights in court. This bill meets the moment, and I’m proud to see it moving forward. I’m grateful to the Senate President and members of the Steering and Policy Committee.”
Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield), Vice Chair, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
“When the Federal government fails to protect our communities, and starts attacking our immigrant neighbors, we stand up in Massachusetts for what is just and right. To those immigrant families forced now to live in fear we tell them: We are standing with you. You are not alone. Fear will not win. We will keep leading and protecting our neighbors from any kind of abuse. Hate doesn’t have a place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I want to thank the Senate President, Chairman Rodrigues, and my fellow Black and Latino Caucus Members for their leadership and steadfast support of these individuals and am proud to help advance the measures taken here.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden
“The actions of ICE and DHS continue to have a chilling effect on our criminal legal system. We have had hundreds of cases impacted by victims or witnesses afraid to appear in court due to fear of what ICE may do to them or their families. This legislation will be instrumental in ensuring our ability to secure justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.”
Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition,
and Lenita Reason, Executive Director of the Brazilian Workers Center
—On behalf of the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition:
“We are immensely grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, the Senate Steering and Policy Committee chaired by Senator Cindy Friedman, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and members of the Senate who have thoughtfully engaged with stakeholders for many months to develop this strong legislation to protect our immigrant neighbors and all Massachusetts residents. This bill sends a powerful message to ICE that their illegal actions and harmful tactics are unwelcome in Massachusetts. To keep our communities safe, individuals must be able to trust local officials and law enforcement. When people are afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or engage with public institutions, entire communities are put at risk. At a time when immigrant communities across the Commonwealth face increased fear and uncertainty, this legislation represents a critical step in standing up for our neighbors and our values. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass the PROTECT Act and look forward to seeing the strongest possible legislation passed into law and signed by the Governor as soon as possible.”
Carol Rose, Executive Director, ACLU of Massachusetts
“We are deeply appreciative of the Senate’s dedication to pushing back on the worst excesses of the Trump administration and ICE’s lawless and brutal tactics in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth needs the PROTECT Act and we need it now. We are grateful to the many lawmakers and advocates who have worked tirelessly to protect our immigrant neighbors and improve safety and trust for all Massachusetts residents.”
Maroni Minter, Political Director, MIRA Coalition
“To keep cities and towns across Massachusetts safe, people must trust state and local law enforcement officers and these officers must be able to do their jobs, not the work of federal agents. Our immigrant neighbors must be able to move safely to work, school, doctors appointments and more without fear that they will never see their loved ones again. The grim reality is that we must pass legislation to protect civil rights and due process from the militaristic actions of our federal government, actions that are incompatible with democratic values. We commend the Senate President, her leadership team, and the Black and Latino Caucus for their vital work with this new legislation and for all Massachusetts leaders for continuing to stand up to protect Massachusetts communities.”
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
“This bill is a crucial step in protecting Massachusetts immigrants from increasingly unlawful and violent attacks by the federal government. Importantly, this bill protects immigrants and their employers from sudden and often unlawful ICE enforcement actions. ICE has been using the I-9 audit process as a means of identifying immigrants (often lawful immigrants) for arrest, detention and deportation. By requiring employers to post a simple notice informing employees that ICE officers will be reviewing their private data, immigrants will have time to speak to an attorney, document their lawful status, and make a plan for their children in case they are taken by ICE.”
Gladys Vega, President and CEO, La Colaborativa
“In Chelsea, immigrants are essential workers, parents, business owners, and neighbors who contribute every day to the strength of our state. This legislation is about protecting due process, keeping families together, and making sure Massachusetts leads with Love, dignity and humanity and most importantly fairness. In communities of color, we cannot build strong communities when people are forced to live in the shadows, when people are afraid of reporting crimes. Supporting the Protect Act means standing for justice for the love of Humanity.”
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