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H 1588

An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 73 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bans new, renewed immigration collaboration or detention agreements by state and local agencies; ends existing deals within 30-90 days; AG can seek injunctions.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 1588

Summary: H 1588 — An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

Purpose and intent
- The bill prohibits state and local entities in Massachusetts from entering into, extending, or renewing any agreement that involves immigration enforcement powers or civil immigration detention.
- It aims to end participation by the Commonwealth, its law enforcement agencies, and local governments in immigration detention or “collaboration” arrangements with federal immigration authorities.

Key provisions

1) New definitions and scope (Section 223)
- Covered entity: Includes the Commonwealth, any law enforcement agency, or any county, city, town, district, or authority within Massachusetts, and their agents, officers, employees.
- Immigration collaboration agreement: Any contract, memorandum of understanding, or similar arrangement that grants federal immigration enforcement authority (including arrangements under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) to a covered entity.
- Immigration detention agreement: Any contract or arrangement with a covered entity to arrest, detain, or house a person for civil immigration detention.
- Law enforcement agency: Broadly defined to include municipal police, sheriff, campus police, hospital police, Department of Corrections, Massachusetts State Police, Department of Youth Services, and related entities or associations.

2) Prohibition on new or renewed agreements (Section 223(b))
- After the Act’s effective date, no covered entity may:
- Enter into an immigration collaboration agreement or immigration detention agreement, or
- Extend or renew an existing immigration collaboration or detention agreement.

3) Sunset/termination of existing agreements (Section 223(c))
- Any party to an existing agreement subject to this section must terminate as soon as practicable.
- Termination deadlines:
- Immigration collaboration agreements: terminated no later than 30 days after the Act’s effective date.
- Immigration detention agreements: terminated no later than 90 days after the Act’s effective date.

4) Enforcement and remedies (Section 223(d))
- The Attorney General may bring an action to restrain violations by TRO, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction.
- Venue for enforcement: Superior Court in the county where the violation occurs or in Suffolk County (at the AG’s discretion).
- Private actions: The Act does not preclude private enforcement actions to the extent permitted by law.

Status and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Assigned/recognized as House Docket No. 3596; House Bill No. 1588
  • Referred to: Judiciary Committee
  • Recent actions: Hearing rescheduled for November 25, 2025 (A-2) with updated virtual hearing end time; additional adjustments noted for that date
  • Related bills: HD 3596 (replaces)

Who would be affected

  • The Commonwealth and all its law enforcement agencies
  • Counties, cities, towns, districts, and authorities in Massachusetts
  • Any contractors or partners engaged in immigration collaboration or detention agreements
  • Potentially private parties that are part of such agreements through subcontracts or MOUs

Potential impact

  • Substantial shift in how Massachusetts entities interact with federal immigration enforcement, potentially reducing local participation in immigration detention and enforcement activities.
  • Immediate compliance burden for current agreements, requiring termination within 30 or 90 days after the Act’s effective date.
  • Enhanced enforcement avenue for the Attorney General; possibility of private action where permitted by law.
  • Local dynamics and budget considerations as jurisdictions unwind existing collaborations and detention arrangements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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