Democratic governor on immigration arrests: 'I support the apprehension of criminals'
Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday weighed in on the Trump administration’s efforts to detain criminals through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, saying she supports the "apprehension of criminals in our communities."
“I wouldn't describe them as raids. What it seems to be is what we expected and what I support, which is the apprehension of criminals in our communities," Healey told reporters when asked about recent apprehensions.
Her remarks came after federal immigration officers were seen taking individuals into custody in Boston as well as Chelsea, Mass. throughout the week.
Healey also said she did not support large immigration arrests on lawful citizens.
"Officials here follow the law," Healey said.
The governor added that Massachusetts is not a “sanctuary state” although a Boston TV station reported some consider it one. WCVB cited a 2017 Supreme Judicial Court decision preventing its police from detaining individuals solely for immigration violations, and noted support from Healey, then the commonwealth's attorney general, for the ruling at the time
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell (D) said on Thursday she will not allow unlawful arrests to take place in the state.
“Yes, there is concern that there is the possibility they will round up people unlawfully, and that's where we will hold them accountable," Campbell said.
The mayor of Newark, N.J. on Thursday slammed what he labeled an “egregious” raid by ICE agents who, he said, raided a local establishment and detained undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens.