La Colaborativa in Chelsea has been a refuge for immigrants in the area for more than 35 years. It provides resources for families that are trying to navigate surviving in a new country and empowers them with the tools to do so.
The center was filled to the brim with people Wednesday, including advocates, legislators and even a mariachi band, who were there to celebrate as Gov. Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act into law.
“Having worked with law enforcement and standing here today with law enforcement, I want to be clear,” Healey said through applause, “the law I’m signing today is a public safety law.”
The PROTECT Act builds off of the governor’s executive order from earlier this year that bans U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from places like schools, hospitals and courthouses. The goal is to ensure that people feel safe to send their children to school, see a doctor and testify in court without worrying about being arrested or questioned by agents.
“When a family can be torn apart because of how they look, no one’s papers makes them safe,” said Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence).
Healey and the list of legislators who spoke to the crowd all gave examples of different people they personally knew who have been intimidated by federal immigration agents.
“I think we can agree that we need immigration reform in this country, we can agree we need controls at the border, we can also agree that ICE is so wrong in what it’s doing and ICE needs to be stopped, here in Massachusetts and around this country. Just stopped in its tracks,” she said.
The PROTECT Act is one of the strongest pieces of legislation in the country when it comes to restrictions involving agents because it also allows for ICE agents to be prosecuted for any crimes. This includes charges from the offices of the attorney general, district attorneys and even civil lawsuits.
“If an ICE agent violates your rights in Massachusetts, they will be held accountable,” Healey said.
After the governor put her pen to paper and officially signed the law, the room erupted in hugs, cheers and many happy tears.
Advocates say their fight is not over but that this is a good step in the right direction.
