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Beverly Limits Cooperation with ICE in Unanimous Vote

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. mits-cooperation-with-ice-in-unanimous-vote.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, March 8th 2026 at 5:24 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

BEVERLY, MA - March 8th, 2026 - In a unanimous vote on Monday evening, Beverly city leaders formally adopted a resolution significantly limiting the city's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when conducting arrests on municipal property. The decision, heralded by advocates as a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive community, mirrors a growing trend among Massachusetts cities seeking to protect undocumented residents from aggressive federal enforcement.

The resolution stipulates that Beverly city officials will not assist ICE in making arrests unless presented with a valid judicial warrant. This means police officers and other municipal employees are barred from detaining individuals based solely on ICE detainers - requests to hold someone believed to be deportable beyond their original sentence or legal holding period - or from actively participating in ICE investigations without a court order. Mayor Mike Cahill championed the resolution, stating it represents a "vital step in ensuring that our city is a safe and welcoming place for all residents, regardless of their immigration status."

Councilor Angie Goodwin, the primary sponsor of the ordinance, emphasized the goal of "limiting the city's entanglement in federal immigration enforcement." She explained that the resolution doesn't absolve anyone of legal responsibility, but rather protects individuals from being swept up in enforcement actions that lack proper judicial oversight. "This is about due process," she stated in a public forum following the vote. "It's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, receives the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution."

Beverly joins a growing number of Massachusetts municipalities - including Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville - that have adopted similar 'welcoming city' policies. These policies often stem from concerns that unchecked ICE enforcement can erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, leading to underreporting of crimes and hindering public safety. The success of these policies in other cities has provided Beverly leaders with a framework and data demonstrating that limiting cooperation with ICE doesn't necessarily lead to increased crime.

However, the resolution wasn't without its detractors. During the public comment period leading up to the vote, several residents voiced concerns about potential conflicts with federal law. Some argued that the city has a responsibility to cooperate fully with federal authorities, regardless of immigration status. "We need to uphold the law," stated one resident at the meeting. "This feels like we're intentionally obstructing federal enforcement."

Supporters countered these concerns by arguing that the resolution is not about defying federal law, but rather about protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that any enforcement actions are conducted legally and with proper judicial oversight. They highlighted the potential for racial profiling and the disruption of families and communities caused by aggressive ICE enforcement tactics. Local advocacy groups, such as the North Shore Immigrant Rights Coalition, have been instrumental in mobilizing support for the resolution, sharing stories of individuals and families impacted by ICE enforcement.

The debate in Beverly reflects a broader national conversation regarding the role of local governments in immigration enforcement. Since the Trump administration's increased focus on immigration enforcement, many cities and states have sought to limit their cooperation with ICE, citing concerns about civil rights, public safety, and the economic impact of deportations. While the Biden administration has signaled a shift towards more humane immigration policies, ICE enforcement continues to be a significant issue, particularly in communities with large immigrant populations.

The implementation of the resolution will likely involve training for Beverly police officers and other municipal employees to ensure they understand the new guidelines. City officials have also indicated they will work with local community organizations to disseminate information about the resolution to immigrant communities and to address any concerns or questions. The long-term effects of the policy remain to be seen, but supporters believe it will create a more inclusive and just community for all Beverly residents.