Boston police commissioner doubles down on ICE resistance: ‘We don’t enforce’ detainers

Boston Police Commissioner Reaffirms Resistance to Federal Immigration Enforcement

In a recent interview on WCVB’s "On the Record," Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox reiterated the city’s commitment to resisting federal immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. Cox, who was appointed by Mayor Michelle Wu in 2022, made it clear that the Boston Police Department does not enforce civil immigration detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This stance aligns with state and city laws, which limit local law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Cox emphasized that Boston police officers do not have the authority to enforce federal immigration law, stating, "We just don’t do that. We don’t enforce civil detainers regarding federal immigration law. It’s defined here in the state, and that’s just how it works."

Boston’s Legal Framework Limits Cooperation with ICE

The commissioner’s comments reflect a broader legal and political landscape in Massachusetts. The Boston "Trust Act," passed in 2014, and a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling known as Lunn vs. Commonwealth, both restrict law enforcement from honoring ICE "detainer" requests. These requests ask local authorities to hold individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally for potential deportation. Cox highlighted that the Boston Police Department adheres to these state and city laws, which prioritize protecting residents over enforcing federal immigration policies. The commissioner also reminded the public that the department’s focus is on criminal activity, not immigration status, stating, "We don’t care about your immigration status, but what we do care about is: Are you a victim of crime in our city or are you a victimizer, right? We will hold you accountable for that, and that doesn’t matter what your immigration status is."

Tensions Between Local and Federal Authorities Persist

The Boston Police Department’s position has drawn criticism from federal immigration authorities and Trump administration officials. ICE has argued that such policies endanger local communities by forcing the agency to conduct higher-risk arrests in public spaces rather than in controlled environments. Tom Homan, a former ICE director and Trump-era border czar, has repeatedly warned jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement, saying, "Don’t cross that line." Despite these criticisms, Cox remains steadfast, insisting that the department operates within the bounds of state and city laws.

Mayor Michelle Wu’s Commitment to Protecting Residents

Mayor Michelle Wu, who appointed Commissioner Cox, has also been vocal about her administration’s resistance to federal deportation efforts. Shortly after the presidential election, Wu emphasized that cities play a critical role in protecting their residents. She noted that while cities cannot override federal actions entirely, they can "make sure that we are doing our part to protect our residents in every possible way." Wu and Cox have both highlighted the importance of maintaining trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, arguing that cooperation with ICE would undermine public safety by creating fear and causing widespread economic harm.

Public Concerns and Clarifications on Enforcement Policies

Some Massachusetts residents have expressed concerns that the Boston Police Department’s policy does not adequately protect them. In response, Commissioner Cox clarified that the department distinguishes between criminal warrants and civil detainers. While the department does not enforce civil immigration detainers, it will absolutely enforce criminal warrants. Cox explained, "What people don’t understand is that there is a difference between criminal warrants and civil detainers. If it’s a warrant involved, we will absolutely enforce it." This clarification aims to reassure the public that the department remains committed to upholding public safety while respecting the legal boundaries set by state and city laws.

The Threat of Federal Funding Cuts and Boston’s Response

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from "sanctuary cities" like Boston that refuse to cooperate with ICE. On her first day in office, Trump’s U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a 60-day pause on federal funding to such jurisdictions. Responding to these threats, Commissioner Cox acknowledged the importance of federal partnerships in maintaining public safety but emphasized that the department can only control what it can within its budget and local governance. He stated, "We could not be as safe as we are without the help of the federal government. They are partners with us, so I don’t know why that would be undone." Cox also highlighted the city’s ability to manage its own budget and funding processes, suggesting that Boston is prepared to navigate any potential financial repercussions.

In summary, Commissioner Michael Cox and Mayor Michelle Wu have reaffirmed Boston’s commitment to resisting federal immigration enforcement efforts, citing state and city laws as the foundation for their policies. While tensions with federal authorities persist, the city remains focused on protecting its residents and maintaining trust within immigrant communities. The Boston Police Department’s approach reflects a broader debate over the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters and the balance between public safety and federal authority.