Citizens in support of the Safe Communities Act

Dear Editor:

Households in Rep. Bill Galvin’s district have received a flyer from the Mass Fiscal Alliance opposing his sponsorship of the Safe Communities Act (S.305, H.3269). This bill would limit the cooperation that state officials give to federal immigration officials. Governor Charlie Baker has issued a statement opposing the measure, citing safety.

Indivisible Canton, a local group of progressive activists, supports Rep. Galvin’s position.

Regarding the safety issue raised by Governor Baker, we disagree. The Safe Communities Act would enhance law enforcement where it matters, not weaken it. Massachusetts should not agree to let the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deputize state and local officers as immigration agents. When police act as ICE agents, victims and witnesses of crime are afraid to call police, which makes us all less safe.

The bill complies with prohibitions on state and local governments restricting the exchange of information about citizenship or immigration status. The bill ensures that constitutional principles are upheld equally for citizens and non-citizens alike. It would not affect police ability to arrest or detain a person in the course of a criminal investigation or prosecution supported by probable cause, which is the constitutional standard that applies to all people in the commonwealth.

Throughout our history, Massachusetts has led the way on civil and human rights. Today, we need to stand up for our core values once again. The Safe Communities Act would protect all state residents by guaranteeing that our tax dollars are not used to help deport immigrant families or create a Muslim registry.

Sincerely,

Denise Falbo on behalf of Indivisible Canton

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=37872

Posted by Canton Citizen on Dec 30 2017. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.