Boston has become the latest city to take steps to shield its immigrant population from President-elect Donald Trump's intended mass deportations: its city council voted unanimously to maintain its status as a sanctuary city, with its Boston Trust Act working to "delineate the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Boston Police Department from those of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, thereby promoting trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities."
"It's not just a policy, but it is a promise to our immigrant neighbors that they are welcome here, and this is a safe haven, and they don't have to live in fear of being unjustly scrutinized or even ripped away from their families," said Councilwoman Gabriela Coletta Zapata at the city council meeting, which took place on Wednesday. "As we brace for impact, we've got to make sure that we all work together."
Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, but Mayor Michelle Wu recently said that she will protect immigrants without legal status in "every way possible." Similarly, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy said on MSNBC that she would use "every tool in the toolbox" to "protect our residents" and to "hold the line on democracy and the rule of law."
Healey, who as the state's attorney general during Trump's first term challenged his administration several times on immigration policies, has also said she'd exercise her executive and regulatory authority, and make use of legislation in the state to fight various Trump policies.
Other cities taking steps in this direction include Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. In the latter, the new LAPD chief said he will work to protect immigrants.
Speaking to The Associated press, Jim McDonnell, who took office last month, said his tenure will be marked by high engagement with the community. He also vowed to rebuild the police force and take it back to at least 10,000 officers (there are currently under 9,000).
LAPD doesn't stop people or take action related to their migratory status and doesn't enforce immigration laws, McDonnell said. He added that has been the case for 45 years, a reference to a policy known as Special Order 40 that was enacted in 1979.
The directive is part of a broader impulse by California authorities to shield its residents from Trump's proposed policies, especially those regarding deportation. California Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers are set to implement a set of progressive policies ahead of Trump's inauguration on that end.
New York City, historically welcoming, now stands in contrast as Mayor Eric Adams is taking a harder line. He incorrectly said earlier this week that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to the right of due process under the U.S. Constitution.
"The Constitution is for Americans," Adams told reporters at his weekly City Hall press conference. "I'm not a person that snuck into this country. My ancestors have been here for a long time."
"What rights I have, the person that decides to shoot the police officer, they should not have those same rights. OK? That's my position."
Adams also argued that undocumented people who had committed crimes should be deported, suggesting that immigration authorities should not wait for them to stand trial.
Adams also repeated his desire to scale back the city's sanctuary rules, which restrict city officials from cooperating with federal immigration agents. New York City mayors going back to Ed Koch, who was in office from 1978 to 1989, have pointed to sanctuary policies to encourage immigrants to use city services, such as hospitals, schools and police without fear of deportation, according to Gothamist.
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