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Community Readiness in the Face of ICE Arrests

President Trump campaigned on a threat to deport one million immigrants from this country per year.  We saw an ongoing escalation of the numbers of immigrants targeted in Massachusetts throughout 2025 and continuing into early this year, but still well below deporting one million people.  However, this is beginning to change. Over this past year … Continued

Back to School: What Immigrant Families Should Know

As immigration enforcement increases across the country and protections such as Temporary Protected Status end for some countries, many immigrant families are living with fear and uncertainty. That fear is affecting whether some children make it to school. Recent data show that 17% of parents cited ICE activity near schools as a barrier to attendance. And that … Continued
Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/12/2026

Policy Updates

Congress must pass funding for DHS this week or face a partial shutdown. Congress extended funding for the agency for 2 weeks to facilitate negotiations on demands for agency accountability, with that extension expiring this Friday. Following the fatal shootings in Minnesota, many Democrats in Congress have said that they will not vote to continue … Continued

To Immigrants With Love

To Immigrants With Love

Blog

These are frightening and stressful times. So today, we wanted to share something a little different — something to remind us all that we are not alone, and that we are deeply valued. Last year at Immigrants’ Day at the State House, visitors stopped by our letter-writing station to pen messages of love and support … Continued

Beacon Hill Is Moving on Immigration - Here's What's On the Table

Beacon Hill is Moving on Immigration: Here’s What’s on the Table

Blog

It is a pivotal moment on Beacon Hill. After months of increasingly aggressive federal immigration enforcement, Massachusetts policymakers last week launched a flurry of new immigration bills and policy proposals. These proposals aim to strengthen due process, improve oversight, and protect residents from federal overreach. Two proposals are especially notable. Not only are they significant … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/5/26

Policy Updates

In a very welcome bit of good news, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. issued a last minute reprieve to Haitians legally in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Despite having issued a travel advisory in July due to “kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care,” the Trump Administration determined in … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/29/26

Policy Updates

As the world watches, the impact of Saturday’s murder of Alex Pretti continues to reverberate across the country. Administration officials are playing the blame-game while legislators on both sides of the aisle are calling for DHS Secretary Noem to step down. Although the administration has removed Greg Bovino from command of day-to-day operations in Minnesota, … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA In Support of the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608)

News

Today the MIRA Coalition was pleased to attend the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ press unveiling of a pro-immigrant bill, the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608). Introduced by lead sponsors Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Vargas of Haverhill and Rep. Judith Garcia of Chelsea, the new bill reflects the consensus of the Caucus’ 27 members and incorporates … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Urges Leaders to Protect Communities from ICE Raids

News

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release  January 26, 2026 BOSTON, MA –  In response to continued violence perpetrated by federal immigration officers, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Another senseless death on the streets of Minneapolis and still too few of our leaders are demanding … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/22/26

Policy Updates

Following warnings last week from Governor Mills and other officials, ICE launched Operation “Catch of the Day” in Maine this week with a focus on the cities of Portland and Lewiston. Although Maine has a relatively small immigrant population, it, like Minnesota, has a sizable African refugee population, particularly refugees from Somalia. This fits into … Continued