Massachusetts governor says ICE raids endanger communities, vows state protections
January 24, 2026 | Office of the Governor, Executive , Massachusetts
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During a televised interview, Governor Mara Healy, the Democratic governor of Massachusetts, said federal immigration enforcement operations are creating dangers for residents and pledged that the state will act to protect people.
Healy said the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have included "masked agents" and detentions that do not make communities safer. "We've had US citizens picked up here. We had a kid, picked up on his way to volleyball practice, 16 years old," she said, and described a separate case in which a college student was flown and deported to Honduras.
The governor said Massachusetts has built partnerships with immigrant organizations, provided trainings on legal rights and legal representation, and is prepared to provide support on the ground. "I recently demanded that they not use a private airport here in Massachusetts to fly people out because they were flying people out without giving them any due process, the chance to see a lawyer or anything else," Healy said.
Healy described a cooperative relationship with local and state law enforcement and said officials have conducted exercises and training in de-escalation. At the same time, she accused the federal administration of "weaponiz[ing] ICE," saying those actions are politically motivated and increase public-safety risks.
Healy framed the state's role as protecting residents' legal and personal security: "We're gonna continue to stay in touch with folks on the ground, continue to provide support," she said, adding that the state will "stand and protect our residents."
She spoke from her experience as a former attorney general to underline legal concerns, warning against practices that bypass due process and urging vigilance and resolve from state leaders.
Healy said the state will continue to work with immigrant advocates and law enforcement to monitor federal activity and to ensure access to counsel and de-escalation practices are in place.
Healy said the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have included "masked agents" and detentions that do not make communities safer. "We've had US citizens picked up here. We had a kid, picked up on his way to volleyball practice, 16 years old," she said, and described a separate case in which a college student was flown and deported to Honduras.
The governor said Massachusetts has built partnerships with immigrant organizations, provided trainings on legal rights and legal representation, and is prepared to provide support on the ground. "I recently demanded that they not use a private airport here in Massachusetts to fly people out because they were flying people out without giving them any due process, the chance to see a lawyer or anything else," Healy said.
Healy described a cooperative relationship with local and state law enforcement and said officials have conducted exercises and training in de-escalation. At the same time, she accused the federal administration of "weaponiz[ing] ICE," saying those actions are politically motivated and increase public-safety risks.
Healy framed the state's role as protecting residents' legal and personal security: "We're gonna continue to stay in touch with folks on the ground, continue to provide support," she said, adding that the state will "stand and protect our residents."
She spoke from her experience as a former attorney general to underline legal concerns, warning against practices that bypass due process and urging vigilance and resolve from state leaders.
Healy said the state will continue to work with immigrant advocates and law enforcement to monitor federal activity and to ensure access to counsel and de-escalation practices are in place.
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