Massachusetts House Passes the Protect Act

Landmark legislation strengthens due process protections and trust in state institutions

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a courthouse entrance with a warm, golden glow from the sun, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic responsibility.The PROTECT Act aims to restore trust and ensure the Massachusetts justice system works for all, regardless of immigration status.Everett Today

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the PROTECT Act, landmark legislation led by State Representative Judith Garcia and State Representative Andy Vargas, Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. The bill establishes clear statewide standards governing how state and local systems interact with federal immigration enforcement, strengthening due process protections while ensuring public safety and trust in the Commonwealth's institutions.

Why it matters

The PROTECT Act is a direct response to growing concerns from communities like Chelsea, where residents have raised alarm about the impact of federal immigration enforcement in courthouses and the broader justice system. The legislation aims to restore trust, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that state institutions work for everyone, regardless of immigration status.

The details

Originally filed by Representative Garcia and Representative Vargas, the PROTECT Act delivers a practical and legally sound response to these concerns. The bill limits state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, requires judicial warrants for civil immigration arrests in courthouses, establishes uniform standards in correctional facilities, improves the certification process for victims of crime and human trafficking, and allows courts to consider the likelihood of deportation when making bail determinations.

  • The PROTECT Act was filed in January 2026.
  • The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the bill on April 2, 2026.

The players

Judith Garcia

State Representative for Chelsea and Everett, who co-led the filing of the PROTECT Act.

Andy Vargas

State Representative and Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, who co-led the filing of the PROTECT Act.

Fidel Maltez

Chelsea City Manager, who expressed support for the PROTECT Act.

Gladys Vega

President & CEO of La Colaborativa, a community organization that supported the PROTECT Act.

Ronald J. Mariano

Massachusetts House Speaker, who praised the PROTECT Act's efforts to ensure equal treatment under state law and protect trust between communities and law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation is a direct response to what I have seen and heard as the State Representative for Chelsea and Everett. Residents shared urgent concerns about what was happening in our courthouses, including fears about showing up for their own cases. I met with families who were directly impacted and visited the Plymouth correctional facility, where I spent hours speaking with individuals who had been detained. Their experiences played a critical role in shaping this bill.”

— Judith Garcia, State Representative

“We were extremely happy to be in the State House witnessing this great day when the House passes the PROTECT Act. This bill was drafted and based on feedback from our communities. This bill will limit ICE's presence in our courtrooms and ensure that witnesses and victims can continue to come forward and participate in our judicial system with no fear.”

— Gladys Vega, President & CEO of La Colaborativa

“By passing the PROTECT Act, we will create a statewide standard for governing interactions between state and local systems and federal immigration enforcement. This legislation ensures uniform protections and fundamental civil rights for all residents, regardless of immigration status.”

— Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means

What’s next

The PROTECT Act now moves to the Massachusetts Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

The PROTECT Act represents a significant step forward in ensuring that all residents of Massachusetts, regardless of immigration status, can access the state's justice system without fear. By establishing clear statewide standards and strengthening due process protections, the legislation aims to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement while upholding the rule of law.