Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Michelle Wu and five other Massachusetts mayors are moving to prevent ICE agents from detaining people on municipal property. The group gathered at the Boston City Hall Annex on Thursday to detail a number of safeguards they hope will help protect residents.
"I signed an executive order instructing city departments to take a range of actions to protect our residents and make clear that we will hold accountable anyone who commits violence, property damage, or any criminal conduct in the city of Boston, including federal officials," Mayor Wu said.
Wu also made clear that she has directed first responders to use their de-escalation training, including in the case of federal immigration enforcement.
This executive order will ban ICE from using city buildings, parking lots, and parks for their operations. It also directs city officials to release surveillance and body-worn camera footage of any violent acts or property damage done by federal agents.
"While the Federal government hides behind masks, we will be transparent," Wu said.
Newton Mayor Marc Laredo, who signed a similar order, said, "in Newton we value democracy, we value democratic values, we value the rule of law."
This signing came after a recent surge of ICE operations in Minnesota have led to violence between federal agents and protestors, including the fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson said, "as a son of Minneapolis, I've watched in horror, as my hometown was invaded and occupied as a political stunt."
Mayors of Cambridge, Lynn and Chelsea took identical actions.
The signing of these executive orders comes one week after Governor Maura Healey denounced ICE's actions in Minneapolis.
Read More: Governor Healey Denounces ICE's Actions In Minneapolis During Conference
Healey introduced Bill H.5050, this bill would also ban ICE agents from making warrantless arrests in schools, courthouses, churches, hospitals, or any state facility. In addition, the bill prevents other states' National Guard troops from operating in Massachusetts without the Governor's permission.
Healey also signed an executive order that limits local police cooperation with ICE and prohibits ICE from operating on state property. This order also prohibits ICE staging on state property.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.