Massachusetts Faces Criticism Over Low Bail for Violent Offenders Despite ICE Detainers

State sanctuary policies and court rulings limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, raising public safety concerns.

Massachusetts courts have released illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes, including child rape, on low bail amounts, some as low as $500.
ICE detainer requests have been ignored in multiple cases, allowing suspects to be released before federal authorities could intervene.
The 2017 Lunn v. Commonwealth ruling prohibits local law enforcement from holding individuals solely on ICE detainers after posting bail.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defends sanctuary policies, emphasizing immigrant rights, while ICE officials argue these policies undermine public safety.
ICE reports a significant increase in detainer requests in Massachusetts, citing a rise in crimes committed by illegal immigrants.