Massachusetts Town Votes Against Cooperating with ICE

Leverett's Policy Against ICE Cooperation

• 🏛️ The town of Leverett, Massachusetts, has unanimously approved a new policy that prohibits town officials, including police, firefighters, and public works employees, from cooperating with ICE.
• ⚖️ A Leverett Select Board member stated the policy is about adhering to the rule of law, not opposing the federal government.
• 📜 The policy clarifies that cooperation with ICE for detention or investigation is not required unless federal officials present a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

Rationale Behind the Policy

• 🛡️ The town aims to be proactive and provide clear guidance to employees, even though they haven't directly encountered ICE officials in Leverett.
• ✊ The decision is rooted in a belief in democracy and the rule of law, opposing policies deemed illegal and immoral.
• 🚫 Officials believe ICE often operates without proper identification and arrests individuals based on factors other than judicial warrants.

Exceptions and Safety Concerns

• 🧑‍⚖️ An exception to the policy exists if a judge issues a warrant, in which case local police would support the judiciary's order.
• 🚨 The town insists that local police should not aid or assist ICE agents who enter without a judicial warrant or proper identification.
• ✅ The Chief of Police confirmed the policy aligns with state guidelines regarding involvement with federal immigration enforcement.