Worcester Bans ICE from Using City Buildings for Enforcement

New executive order prohibits federal immigration agents from operating on municipal property during enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Worcester, Massachusetts has issued an executive order barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using any municipal property, including buildings, open spaces, parking lots, and parks, for staging or preparing federal civil immigration enforcement actions.

Why it matters

This move by Worcester's city government is part of a growing trend of local jurisdictions seeking to limit the ability of federal immigration authorities to operate within their communities, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement policies.

The details

The amended executive order, announced by Worcester City Manager Eric D., specifically prohibits ICE agents from using any city-owned or -controlled property, including the interior or exterior of any municipal building or parcel, for activities related to federal civil immigration enforcement.

  • The executive order was announced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Eric D.

The city manager of Worcester, Massachusetts who announced the new executive order.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Agents from the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement will be barred from operating on municipal property during enforcement operations in the city, according to an amended executive order.”

— Eric D., Worcester City Manager (The Gardner News)

What’s next

The city of Worcester plans to strictly enforce the new executive order and may take legal action against ICE if the agency attempts to use municipal property for immigration enforcement activities.

The takeaway

Worcester's move to bar ICE from operating on city-owned property reflects the growing tension between local governments and federal immigration authorities, as some municipalities seek to limit the reach of federal immigration enforcement within their communities.