Boston Police Approach to ICE Detainers: Implications for Trust and Safety

Police officer wearing a bright yellow vest.

Boston’s Police Commissioner defies federal immigration enforcement, leaving citizens vulnerable to criminal illegal aliens.

Key Takeaways

Boston Police Department refuses to enforce ICE civil immigration detainers
Commissioner Cox cites lack of authority to enforce federal immigration law
Mayor Wu supports the policy, prioritizing community trust over federal cooperation
ICE warns that this policy endangers communities by forcing high-risk public arrests
Concerns arise over potential federal funding cuts due to Boston’s sanctuary city status

Boston’s Defiance of Federal Immigration Enforcement

In a brazen display of liberal priorities, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox has doubled down on the city’s refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cox, appointed by the notoriously progressive Mayor Michelle Wu, has confirmed that the Boston Police Department will not enforce civil immigration detainers issued by ICE. This decision effectively transforms Boston into a safe haven for illegal immigrants, including those with criminal records, at the expense of law-abiding citizens’ safety.

Cox’s stance aligns with the city’s misguided “Trust Act” and a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, both of which severely limit local law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The commissioner’s cavalier attitude towards this serious issue is evident in his statement:

“We don’t enforce” – Michael Cox

This blatant disregard for federal law enforcement not only undermines the rule of law but also puts Boston residents at unnecessary risk. While Cox and Wu claim to prioritize community trust and safety, they conveniently ignore the potential dangers posed by harboring individuals who have already shown a willingness to break the law by entering the country illegally.

You should be ashamed of yourselves #PoliceCommissioner @bostonpolice…not bragging abt this. https://t.co/VSw680wDxh

— C-Bubbles (@milscarf) January 7, 2025

The Fallacy of “Community Trust” Over Public Safety

Mayor Wu’s administration justifies this reckless policy by claiming it protects residents from practices that allegedly foster fear or disrupt economic stability. However, this misguided approach fails to consider the fear and instability caused by allowing potentially dangerous individuals to remain in the community unchecked. ICE has rightfully pointed out that such policies endanger communities by necessitating high-risk public arrests, as local law enforcement refuses to cooperate in more controlled environments.

“Don’t have authority to enforce federal immigration law.” – Michael Cox

Cox’s attempt to distinguish between criminal warrants and civil detainers is a weak justification for this dangerous policy. By refusing to honor ICE detainers, Boston police are effectively releasing individuals who may pose a threat back into the community, rather than allowing federal authorities to properly vet and, if necessary, deport them.

Risking Federal Funding for Political Posturing

Perhaps most concerning is the potential impact on federal funding for Boston due to its sanctuary city status. While Cox expresses confidence that federal support won’t be affected, his optimism seems misplaced given the Department of Justice’s previous actions to freeze funding to sanctuary cities. This reckless disregard for the financial consequences of their political posturing could leave Boston taxpayers footing the bill for their leaders’ misguided priorities.

“Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox says he’s confident federal support won’t be ‘undone’ despite the city’s sanctuary status.” – Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox

Cox’s uncertainty about the impact of the sanctuary status on his department’s relationship with federal law enforcement partners is telling. It reveals a lack of foresight and consideration for the long-term consequences of this policy. By prioritizing the protection of illegal immigrants over cooperation with federal authorities, Boston’s leadership is not only endangering its citizens but also potentially compromising valuable partnerships that are crucial for effective law enforcement and public safety.