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Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Massachusetts governor signs strongest immigrant protections law amid ICE enforcement

Aug 5, 2026 · Chelsea, MA

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act, legislation that expands protections against warrantless civil immigration arrests at courthouses, schools, childcare centers, and healthcare facilities. The law, described as the strongest immigrant protection law in the country, was enacted amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. The measure includes an emergency preamble allowing it to take effect immediately and was celebrated by immigrant families and advocates who say ICE agents have regularly conducted arrests in courthouses without judicial warrants.

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