How I Voted: PROTECT Act

Establishing Standards for State and Local Interactions with Federal Immigration Enforcement

Bill: H.5305 PROTECT Act

Date of Vote: March 25, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Massachusetts communities rely on trust between residents, law enforcement, courts, and public institutions. When individuals are afraid to report crimes, participate in court proceedings, or cooperate with investigations, public safety can be affected.

At the same time, state and local officials must operate within the constitutional framework that separates state responsibilities from federal authority.

Before this legislation, there was not a consistent statewide framework governing how state and local systems interact with federal civil immigration enforcement. This created uncertainty for law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, and residents.

This legislation establishes clearer standards for those interactions while protecting due process, supporting public safety, and maintaining appropriate limits on the use of state and local resources.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Establishes statewide standards governing interactions between state and local entities and federal civil immigration enforcement.

• Limits state and local resources from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement activities.

• Restricts inquiries into immigration status except in limited circumstances where it is directly relevant to a criminal offense.

• Limits civil immigration arrests in courthouses unless supported by a judicial warrant or order and reviewed by a judicial official.

• Establishes standards for correctional facilities, including:

  • Notice of legal rights in an individual’s primary language. 

  • Access to interpretation services. 

  • Confidential communication with attorneys. 

  • Improved tracking and notification procedures.

  • Requires employers to provide employees with notice after receiving certain federal immigration inspection notices.

  • Updates the process for victims of crimes seeking U and T visa certifications by creating clearer standards and timelines.

  • Requires guidance and training materials regarding interactions with immigration enforcement.

  • Creates additional reporting, transparency, and accountability requirements. 

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

A functioning justice system depends on trust. Residents must feel confident that they can report crimes, serve as witnesses, and participate in legal proceedings without unnecessary barriers or confusion.

As a military officer and as a public servant, I understand the importance of clear rules, accountability, and the responsibility of government institutions to operate within their legal authority.

This legislation does not change federal immigration law. Rather, it establishes standards for how Massachusetts institutions interact with federal immigration enforcement while ensuring that law enforcement and public officials have clearer guidance about their responsibilities.

I believe public safety is strengthened when victims and witnesses feel safe cooperating with law enforcement, when officers have clear expectations, and when government agencies operate with transparency and consistency.

I supported this legislation because it balances important principles: respecting the rule of law, protecting due process, supporting public safety, and ensuring that state and local resources are used appropriately.