Walsh To Bar Immigration Violation Detentions Without Serious Crimes
BOSTON (AP) – Boston Mayor Martin Walsh says he will sign an ordinance that bars city police from detaining people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally unless they are wanted for serious crimes.
City Councilor Josh Zakim plans to soon introduce the measure, known as the Trust Act, that would stop police from holding people with immigration violations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents unless they have committed serious crimes.
Walsh said Wednesday he would sign it when it comes across his desk.
Advocates for immigrants welcomed the news. They say fear of deportation makes immigrants afraid to report crimes.
Critics say signing the measure could lead to the release of dangerous criminals.
Boston is now home to 167,000 immigrants, some citizens, some here legally and some illegally.
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