Cambridge doubles down on sanctuary city policy
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The city of Cambridge has reinforced its stance as a sanctuary city for immigrants amid renewed federal enforcement, elevating its protections for migrants to among the strongest in Massachusetts.
Why it matters: One of the most proudly progressive communities in the state — perhaps the country — is telling President Trump the city won't lift a finger to assist immigration enforcers.
Driving the news: The Cambridge City Council unanimously amended its 40-year-old Welcoming Community Ordinance on Monday night to further restrict police cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The council vote came after the Department of Homeland Security initially named Cambridge among more than 200 cities accused of "defying federal immigration law," a list that was later retracted.
What they're saying: "Cambridge is not going to lock down or make a deal with the Trump administration and weaken our protections. In fact, we're going to bolster them," said Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, who championed the changes.
Zoom in: With the council vote, Cambridge eliminated language allowing police to provide traffic control or escorts for federal agents.
- The updated ordinance states that Cambridge police will focus solely on public safety and not on assisting federal agents.
- Cambridge officers must now verify federal agents' identities during immigration operations.
- City employees will work to document any federal immigration action in Cambridge and identify any ICE agents, "including with masked individuals," Sobrinho-Wheeler said.
Between the lines: The updated policy is the result of a compromise between councilors and the Cambridge police union over concerns about officer safety.
- Police also worried about potential federal obstruction charges if they got in the way of ICE.
The bottom line: Cambridge, where 91.7% of voters supported a candidate other than Trump in the 2024 election, wants to be on the vanguard of the immigration issue.
- "What we're doing is something that's very responsible and also very clear that we are standing up ... and we're moving forward with a strong ordinance to ensure that our safety is protected," Councilor Patricia Nolan said.
What we're watching: Cambridge is part of a 22-city lawsuit challenging threats to cut federal funding to jurisdictions with sanctuary policies.