Boston City Council Proposes Immigrant Emergency Response Fund

The fund would provide legal defense, family stabilization, and other support amid federal immigration crackdown.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston City Council plans to explore creating an immigrant emergency response fund that would use city and private money to provide legal defense, family stabilization, and other support in response to the federal immigration crackdown. The proposal comes after recent incidents where ICE agents have detained immigrants in the city, sparking concerns about the speed and chaos of the actions.

Why it matters

The proposed fund aims to help Boston's immigrant communities who are facing increased threats from shifting federal immigration policies. It would allow community organizations and immigrant families to quickly access resources they need, such as assistance with bills, mortgages, and utilities, in the event of immigration-related emergencies.

The details

Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune introduced an order for a hearing on a 'scalable funding model for an immigrant emergency response fund' that was co-sponsored by Council President Liz Breadon and Councilor Enrique Pepén. The money would be in addition to funds already earmarked in the city budget for legal entities providing services to immigrants. Louijeune said the public and philanthropic money would allow quick access to resources for community groups and immigrant families facing challenges like the potential end of Temporary Protected Status.

  • In November 2025, ICE agents detained 9 workers from a car wash in Allston.
  • Recently, someone was 'kidnapped' in Councilor Pepén's district by ICE, according to Breadon.

The players

Ruthzee Louijeune

Boston City Councilor who introduced the order for a hearing on the immigrant emergency response fund.

Liz Breadon

Boston City Council President who co-sponsored the order.

Enrique Pepén

Boston City Councilor who co-sponsored the order.

Tricia McLaughlin

DHS Assistant Secretary who said the person arrested by ICE in Roslindale was an illegal immigrant charged with drug trafficking and identity theft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can't afford to be reactive, and we must be prepared, coordinated and united in our response.”

— Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Councilor (bostonherald.com)

“ICE seeks to create chaos in an attempt to prevent community members from responding effectively to their actions.”

— Liz Breadon, Boston City Council President (bostonherald.com)

“This is a topic that's very timely, very important for what we're going through, not only as a city, but as a nation.”

— Enrique Pepén, Boston City Councilor (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The Council order was referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement for a hearing.

The takeaway

The proposed immigrant emergency response fund is a proactive measure by the Boston City Council to support its immigrant communities facing increased threats from federal immigration policies. It aims to provide quick access to legal, financial, and other resources to help stabilize immigrant families and respond effectively to immigration-related crises.