JALSA in The Boston Globe on the Dignity Not Deportations Act

Full letter to the editor of The Boston Globe at this link.

Lawmakers, put a stop to state’s pact with ICE

As Massachusetts taxpayers, we should be shocked at the state using our precious resources to aid the Trump regime’s hellbent focus on rounding up our immigrant neighbors, putting them in jail, and deporting them. Thank you to the Globe for shining a spotlight on how our Commonwealth is supporting this dangerous and amoral step to authoritarianism (“For state prisons, a unique pact with ICE: Alerts ID inmates for possible deportation,” Page A1, Aug. 26).

Fortunately, there is a solution that is in the power of our Legislature and governor to enact. The Dignity Not Deportations Act would end our state’s voluntary donation of services to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prevent our involvement in 287(g) agreements that support mass deportations. This would end our state’s ability to deputize local officials as ICE agents. Such agreements diminish trust in our law enforcement officials, putting all of us at risk if immigrants can no longer go to the police without fear.

Protecting the dignity and safety of immigrants is at the heart of faith-based and American values. Let’s remember that welcoming the stranger is the recipe that made America great and encourage our elected officials to stand up in every possible way to a presidential administration that wants us to forget that history.

Cindy Rowe
President and CEO
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
Boston