May 28. 2025
In recent weeks, community members and advocates across Massachusetts have noted a significant escalation of immigration enforcement actions being carried out by Federal authorities. This accelerating enforcement – including increasingly violent and chaotic detentions, workplace raids, and even “wellness checks” on immigrant children – is deepening fear and trauma in immigrant communities, and creating even greater challenges for immigrants and refugees seeking safety for themselves and their families, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
As JDI has previously stated, survivors often face significant barriers to accessing supportive services and finding safety from abuse and violence, including concern for children and other loved ones, financial instability, and lack of safe, affordable housing. For immigrant and refugee survivors, these challenges are often compounded by the fear of deportation or loss of immigration status, language barriers, mistrust of legal systems, and more. The nature and frequency of recent Federal enforcement actions are exacerbating these fears and making it even harder for immigrant and refugee survivors to seek vital, potentially life-saving care and support. At the same time, these actions empower abusers, who can use a survivor’s immigration status – or that of their loved ones – to exert even greater power and control.
At JDI, we stand with the members of our coalition that serve immigrant and refugee survivors, as well as with advocates, and immigrants and refugees across the Commonwealth. We remain committed to advancing policies that protect immigrant and refugee communities and make more resources accessible for survivors. We support H.1588/S.1122: An Act Relative to Immigration Detention and Collaboration Agreements, currently before the Massachusetts Legislature, that would specifically prohibit state and local entities from entering into or renewing any collaboration or detention agreements that would delegate Federal immigration enforcement powers to these entities. Especially in light of recent events, we call on state lawmakers and the Governor to work quickly to pass this bill and sign it into law, and to consistently prioritize safety and justice for immigrant and survivor communities across our state.
Far from making our communities safer, increasingly aggressive, indiscriminate, unaccountable immigration enforcement actions undermine the safety and wellbeing of those in our communities who are most in need – survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Immigrant justice is survivor justice, and JDI will continue working with our coalition members, advocates, partners, and elected leaders to protect immigrant and refugee survivors in all of our communities.