Originally published in CommonWealth Beacon on May 26, 2026.
In late March, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the PROTECT Act by an overwhelming majority to strengthen protections for immigrants across the state. Earlier this month, the Senate passed a version of the bill. It will now be up to a House-Senate conference to iron out differences between the two versions.
In light of a new report showing that Massachusetts law enforcement frequently cooperates with federal immigration authorities, it is more urgent than ever for the Legislature to get the bill over the finish line this session and for Gov. Healey to sign it.