Boston Bar Association on Legislation Protecting Massachusetts Residents from ICE Enforcement in Civic Institutions

Today, Governor Maura Healey introduced legislation aimed at protecting Massachusetts residents from warrantless civil arrests by ICE in courthouses, schools, places of worship, and hospitals. In response, Boston Bar Association President Suma V. Nair offered the following statement: 

“As an organization committed to the rule of law and access to justice, the Boston Bar Association supports legislation that reinforces long-standing protections for courthouses and other essential institutions. Courts must be places where people can seek justice without fear. The fairness and integrity of our legal system are undermined when individuals are deterred from appearing in court. 

“Boston is home to vibrant immigrant communities that should be free to learn, practice their faith, access health care, and appear in court without intimidation or threat of violence. These safeguards are both necessary and urgent when core principles of due process and accountability are being disregarded.” 

The Boston Bar Association is the Commonwealth’s premier legal institution, bringing together the brightest and most influential people to lead at the forefront of the profession. Our mission is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, foster a diverse and inclusive professional community, and serve the community at large.