Massachusetts Police Collaborate with ICE on Serious Crimes

Local departments alert immigration authorities to pick up suspects facing major charges

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Many police departments in Massachusetts regularly communicate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sometimes alerting the federal agency to pick up individuals facing serious criminal charges, according to a new report from WBUR.

Why it matters

The collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities raises concerns about the potential for racial profiling and the erosion of trust between immigrant communities and the police, even as proponents argue it helps address major criminal threats.

The details

The report found that in some cases, Massachusetts police departments will notify ICE when they have individuals in custody who are facing serious criminal charges, allowing federal immigration agents to take those suspects into custody. This practice has drawn criticism from immigrant advocates who worry it undermines community policing efforts.

  • The WBUR report was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

WBUR

A public radio station serving the Boston area that published the report on the collaboration between Massachusetts police and ICE.

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The takeaway

This report highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety, immigration enforcement, and community trust, underscoring the need for clear policies and oversight to ensure fair and equitable policing practices that serve all residents.