Boston Authorities Reject All ICE Immigration Detainer Requests in 2024 Amid Sanctuary City Policies

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Boston authorities rejected all 15 immigration detainer requests made by ICE in 2024. This decision aligns with Boston's sanctuary city policies, which prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in certain ways. Specifically, Boston police officers are not allowed to ask about a person's immigration status, transfer individuals into ICE custody, or make arrests based solely on immigration detainers.

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The rejection of these detainer requests means that Boston authorities did not hold individuals in local jails for ICE to pick up and deport. This stance is part of a broader effort by the city to protect immigrants and limit the extent of federal immigration enforcement within its jurisdiction.

Despite this local resistance, ICE has continued to carry out its own operations in Boston. For instance, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Boston arrested several individuals, including those accused of serious crimes such as kidnapping and indecent assault on children. These actions indicate that ICE is still active in apprehending noncitizens facing felony charges, regardless of local policies.

The city's approach reflects ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has emphasized the importance of maintaining these protections, especially in light of federal policies that might increase deportations.