This bill seeks to enhance the rule of law and protect civil rights in the context of civil immigration enforcement by amending various chapters of the General Laws. It introduces new guidelines that prohibit civil immigration enforcement activities in nonpublic areas of state entities unless mandated by law, and it restricts arrests on the premises of licensed child care centers or school grounds without a judicial warrant. The bill also mandates the governor to publish multilingual guidelines for state agencies and schools to ensure proper interactions with law enforcement. Additionally, it establishes civil liability for individuals who violate constitutional rights under the color of law, requiring written notice to the attorney general when claims are filed.

Furthermore, the bill limits the role of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement by prohibiting the execution or expansion of agreements under section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, while allowing the Department of Correction to maintain existing agreements. It also introduces new requirements for correctional facilities to provide detained individuals with written notices of their rights and access to legal counsel, while ensuring compliance through the Attorney General's enforcement authority. The legislation aims to protect the rights of individuals, particularly victims of criminal activity and human trafficking, by facilitating their ability to obtain nonimmigrant visas and establishing a commission to investigate immigration policies and practices in the Commonwealth.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 149-19C, 276-58