Governor Maura Healy Signs the Protect Act Into Law

On August 5, 2026, Governor Maura Healey stood with immigrants, advocates, community leaders, law enforcement, teachers, nurses, doctors, clergy and elected officials at La Colaborativa in Chelsea to sign the PROTECT Act, landmark legislation that provides the strongest protections in the nation against the dangerous and illegal tactics of the Trump administration and ICE.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy signs the Protect Act on August 5, 2026 — Governor Maura Healy signs the Protect Act into law

Key provisions of the Protect Act include:

Banning future 287(g) agreements, which deputize local police to act as immigration agents, with very limited exceptions.

Restricting the use of state and local resources for civil immigration enforcement.

Placing limits on police communication with ICE.

Prohibiting police from asking about immigration status except in limited criminal contexts.

Banning arrests on civil matters inside and outside Massachusetts courthouses.

Banning civil arrests at schools, healthcare facilities, and day care centers.

Expanding rights and protections for detainees held in Massachusetts jails.

Allowing individuals to sue state or federal officials in state court for violations of federal constitutional rights.

Members of the ISA were honored to join representatives of many Massachusetts immigrant support and advocacy organizations, as well as elected officials and others to witness this landmark legislation be signed into law.

The full press release from the governor’s office can be found here.