Local News
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is starting to publicly consider how town might reply to President-elect Donald Trump's comments is planning mass deportations of illegal migrants.
In several recent media appearances, she emphasized that city resources and personnel, including local police, usually are not expected to cooperate with federal agents attempting to detain migrants on civil arrest warrants.
“The idea that certain local law enforcement agencies would be required or expected to engage in mass deportations of residents who were not involved in serious criminal activity simply to fulfill this campaign promise is not possible under the laws of Boston.” said Wu last week on GBH's “Boston Public Radio.”
Trump's promises to oversee mass deportations were at the heart of his campaign. Now all signs point to him making good on those promises immediately after he takes office in January. On Monday, Trump said on social media that he was preparing to declare a national state of emergency use the US military carry out deportations.
Leaders in blue states are preparing for Trump's plans. Gov. Maura Healey said this month that her administration would not cooperate with federal authorities seeking to carry out mass deportations.
In Boston, a existing law prohibits Boston police officers from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in a number of cases. When asked about the possibility that federal agents could carry out mass deportations of Boston residents without the help of local law enforcement, Wu said on GBH that her administration is actively planning for a number of different scenarios. She said the federal government could face staffing issues and other logistical problems as it tries to fulfill Trump's promises. Some of those promises require the full cooperation of local authorities, Wu said.
“In places where that's not the case … we still produce other mechanisms that allow us to discover spaces that could possibly be most targeted and take into consideration protective measures there,” Wu said on GBH.
Researchers appreciate that Trump's plans could cost more than $300 billion, worsen labor shortages and require the hiring of hundreds of thousands of new government workers and law enforcement officers.
During an appearance on WCVB's “In the fileOn Sunday, Wu pushed back against misconceptions about “sanctuary cities.” Sometimes this term is known to mean a spot that grants immunity to migrants, even in the event that they have committed serious crimes. This shouldn’t be the case in Boston, where local police can work with ICE “on matters of significant public safety importance, such as human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and weapons trafficking, and cybercrime.”
Wu acknowledged that town's resources have been depleted because of the recent influx of latest migrants. That surge, coupled with an ongoing housing crisis, has overwhelmed shelters across the state for greater than a 12 months. In Boston, city shelters for people are only as full as usual through the coldest winter months, she said.
Earlier this 12 months, the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury was used as a shelter for families in need for about 4 months before reopening to the general public. Many residents disapproved of the move, saying it was unfair to locals who depend on the leisure center. Wu has publicly stated that she plans to run for a second term next 12 months, and her response to Trump's plans could have a serious impact on that race.
There are limits to what that response can include, and no city can override certain parts of the federal government's agenda, Wu said.
“What we can do is ensure that we do our part to protect our residents in every way possible and that we do not cooperate with efforts that actually endanger the safety of everyone by causing widespread fear and far-reaching economic consequences have effects. ” she said.
Even if logistical or legal issues hamper Trump's deportation plans, residents may develop fear of the local government and be hesitant to approach local officials for help on any issue, Wu said. She wants to increase direct outreach to residents and ensure they are not afraid to contact the city or request services.
As the Trump administration begins implementing its plans next year, resistance from blue states and cities will inevitably receive media coverage, and Trump frequently vows to attack “enemies from within.” Wu was asked about the possibility that Boston might be targeted by the federal government at an unrelated event on Monday.
“Our city is always heralded as a national example of what is possible. “Historically, this can be used to devalue what it means for a community to be welcoming to all, but now it is also even more important to demonstrate that government is functioning well,” she said.
image credit : www.boston.com