Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2058

Introduced

2/27/25

Refer

2/27/25

Caption

Relative to state compliance with detainer requests

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly change how local and state law enforcement agencies interact with federal immigration authorities. The requirement to honor ICE detainer requests may lead to an increase in the number of individuals detained who are awaiting deportation proceedings. This aligns Massachusetts's practices with federal immigration enforcement policies and potentially reduces the autonomy local agencies have in managing their own detention practices.

Summary

House Bill 2058 aims to modify the current capitulation to detainer requests issued by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies, including state, local, and various public safety entities, comply with these detainer requests. This entails notifying ICE regarding any planned release or changes to custody status of detained individuals at least 24 hours in advance. Proponents of the bill assert that it is essential for maintaining collaboration with federal immigration enforcement and upholding the rule of law.

Training

To implement the changes proposed in H2058, the bill stipulates that all state and local law enforcement personnel must undergo training on the legal and procedural aspects of complying with detainer requests within six months of the bill's enactment. This aims to ensure that law enforcement officers fully understand their responsibilities under the new law and the implications of detainer requests for individuals' rights.

Contention

The bill is likely to face opposition from advocacy groups and legislators who argue that compliance with ICE detainer requests can lead to racial profiling and unjust detentions, particularly impacting vulnerable communities. Critics maintain that the legislation could erode trust between law enforcement agencies and immigrant communities, thus discouraging individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with police out of fear of deportation. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the legal and ethical obligations of state agencies to protect individuals' rights against federal overreach.

Companion Bills

MA H5281

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA A08333

Prohibits the detainment of minors with adult detainees in the city of New York.

MA S09164

Prohibits the detainment of minors with adult detainees in the city of New York.

MA S1096

Supporting and honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD Act)

MA S1775

Relative to antique firearm detainment

MA H2162

Relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth

MA S1318

Relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth

MA H2009

Supporting and honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD Act)

MA H3444

Relative to s-license compliance

MA S1776

Empowering law enforcement to cooperate with the United States to transfer custody of convicted criminals

MA H2056

Relative to fentanyl arrests (Tatiana's Law)

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