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H 2573

An Act to enhance public safety

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Boldyga

Requires Massachusetts police to cooperate with ICE on detainers, share immigration status info, and join joint operations, with penalties for noncompliance.

Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2573

Summary: H.2573 — An Act to enhance public safety (Massachusetts, 2025-2026)

Overview

H.2573 would require local and state law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in certain immigration enforcement activities. The bill sets out mandatory cooperation with ICE detainers, information sharing, and participation in joint ICE operations, along with training, resources, reporting, and enforcement provisions. It is sponsored by Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga (3rd Hampden) and was introduced on February 27, 2025. A hearing is scheduled for November 25, 2025, in Gardner Auditorium.

What the bill would do (Key Provisions)

Section 2. Mandatory Cooperation

  • Local and state law enforcement agencies must:
    • Honor ICE immigration detainers, including notifying ICE of releases and holding individuals for up to 48 hours beyond release to facilitate ICE custody transfer.
    • Share pertinent information about immigration or citizenship status with ICE upon request.
    • Participate in joint ICE task forces for operations aimed at immigration enforcement, provided such participation does not impede core law-enforcement duties.
  • Exceptions:
    • Cooperation cannot violate state or federal law or constitutional rights.
    • Agencies may decline to detain someone on an ICE detainer if there is no probable cause for a criminal charge independent of immigration status.

Section 3. Training and Resources

  • The Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission would develop training on the legal obligations and procedures for cooperation with ICE.
  • The Commonwealth would provide resources or seek federal assistance to support compliance, including costs associated with holding individuals pursuant to detainers.

Section 4. Reporting

  • Agencies must annually report to the Secretary of Public Safety and Security on:
    • Number of ICE detainers received and honored.
    • Number of individuals transferred to ICE custody.
    • Any significant issues or legal challenges encountered.
  • The Secretary would compile an annual summary for the Governor and General Court.

Section 5. Enforcement

  • If an agency fails to comply, the Attorney General may pursue judicial remedies.
  • The act allows for potential withholding of state funding or grants related to law enforcement activities as a consequence of noncompliance.

Affected parties

  • Local police departments, sheriffs’ offices, and other state or local law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts.
  • ICE and individuals subject to detainers or inquiries regarding immigration status.
  • Massachusetts residents, particularly those concerned with civil liberties and due process.

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Public Safety and Homeland Security committee on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing scheduled: November 25, 2025, 11:30 AM–5:00 PM, Gardner Auditorium.
  • The bill is labeled H.2573; House Docket No. 3478.

Sponsor

  • Representative Nicholas A. Boldyga (primary).

Related bills

  • HD 3478 (the docketed bill replacing or related to this measure).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Alignment with federal immigration enforcement is enhanced, potentially increasing detentions and transfers to ICE.
  • Could raise concerns about civil liberties, particularly regarding detainers and information-sharing practices.
  • Fiscal implications include training costs and potential funding implications tied to compliance or noncompliance.
  • Requires robust reporting and oversight mechanisms to monitor impact and legality.

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

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