(The Center Square) – Boston’s liberal immigration policy landed it on the federal government’s updated list of sanctuary jurisdictions on Tuesday.
The designation means the state “impedes enforcement of federal immigration laws.” It’s the only Massachusetts jurisdiction cited by the Department of Justice.
However, according to the Center for Immigration Studies, the Bay State is one of a dozen sanctuary states, alongside five of its Northeast neighbors: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The release says the executive order of second-term Republican President Donald Trump – Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens – requires the publishing of the list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct enforcement of federal immigration law.
“Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”
The same day Boston made the list, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrest of Manuel Umana Solorzano, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, for possession of child pornography, indecent assault of a minor under 14, statutory rape of a child, among other charges.
He was apprehended in Milford, about 40 miles southwest of Boston.
“This pedophile should have never been in our country. ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure local authorities don’t release this creep back into American neighborhoods,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Unfortunately, far too often sanctuary states like Massachusetts refuse to honor detainers to turn these criminal illegal aliens over to ICE.
“Instead, they release child predators and other violent criminals back into our neighborhoods. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to do everything in their power to remove pedophiles from our country and protect America’s children.”
