Massachusetts protests erupt over Minn. ICE shooting as federal lawsuit against Boston heats up
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Activists across Massachusetts swiftly mobilized opposition to the Minneapolis ICE shooting this week, with demonstrations erupting in Boston and Worcester.
Why it matters: Locals said they worry tensions between Massachusetts officials who back immigrant protections and federal enforcement agencies could lead to more ICE presence in metro Boston or a similar deadly incident.
The latest: The Trump administration intensified its legal battle against Boston's sanctuary policies this week, filing court documents arguing the city actively obstructs federal enforcement.
Zoom in: Justice Department lawyers submitted a 28-page motion Tuesday opposing Boston's attempt to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging the city's sanctuary policies.
- Federal prosecutors claim the sanctuary law enables deportable individuals to evade apprehension.
- Trump's DOJ characterized Boston's stance as "obstructionist" discrimination against federal immigration enforcement.
- Similar federal litigation is underway against multiple sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide
Yes, but: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defends the Trust Act as crucial to the city's public safety strategy, claiming it contributes to the city's status as the nation's safest major municipality.
- The filing is the latest example of rising tensions between local officials and federal authorities.
State of play: Protesters gathered on Boston Common to condemn the Minneapolis shooting and demand federal accountability, while Worcester activists held a rally outside City Hall on Thursday.
The big picture: Weekly demonstrations are already happening at Burlington's ICE field office, with hundreds participating in resistance efforts that show no sign of dissipating.
- Wu has said residents felt "terrified" by ICE's tactics, a remark that prompted direct pushback from federal officials.
Between the lines: Local immigrant rights organizations are framing the Minneapolis shooting as validation of their warnings about aggressive enforcement.
- They're pushing lawmakers to enshrine expanded sanctuary protections into law.
What they're saying: "There is simply no reason for ICE agents to be on the streets of our communities doing the job of local law enforcement or deploying militaristic tactics which only make America less safe," Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition executive director Elizabeth Sweet said in a statement.
What's next: Expect more protests in Boston and around the state this weekend.