ACLU CALL FOR TESTIMONY: STATE/LOCAL POLICE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS

On January 11, 2007, Governor Deval Patrick rescinded the Memorandum of Understanding that would have given the Massachusetts State Police the authority to enforce immigration law. The Governor affirmed that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the Federal Government, and is best left to the Federal Government.

State, local and MBTA police should not be asking questions about any individual's immigration status. If someone has been questioned about their status by these area police officials, please encourage them to fill out the intake questionnaire and contact the American Civil Liberties Union.

For additional information contact Adriana Lafaille at 617-350- 5480 x 216.

- From Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, MIRA Bulletin, July 18th, 2007.

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