November 8, 2024
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has firmly stated that her state will not cooperate with the Trump administration’s proposed mass deportation efforts, which President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to initiate upon taking office. Trump has called his plan “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” modeled after the 1950s Eisenhower administration’s immigration approach. Healey, however, made clear on MSNBC that Massachusetts will take a stand against it.
“No. Absolutely not,” Healey responded when asked if Massachusetts State Police would aid federal authorities in the expected deportation measures. “I do think it is important that we all recognize that there is going to be a lot of pressure on states and state officials. I can assure you we’re going to work hard to deliver.”
As the former attorney general of Massachusetts, Healey previously took a leading role in challenging many of Trump’s policies during his first term. Her record of resistance indicates that Massachusetts could see extensive pushback through legal challenges, as well as through state-level regulations and executive orders aimed at protecting residents.
“Some realities need to be noted,” Healey said, acknowledging that legal battles in 2025 may differ from those of 2016 due to changes in the judicial landscape. “There’s regulatory authority and executive powers and the like, there’s legislation also within our state.”
Healey emphasized that her administration would use “every tool in the toolbox” to protect the state’s residents. “We must protect our citizens, protect our residents, and hold the line on democracy and the rule of law as a basic principle.”
Massachusetts has been grappling with the impact of the migrant surge, particularly over the past year. In 2023, Healey declared a state of emergency due to the pressures on housing, social services, and resources caused by an influx of migrants. She requested additional federal support from the Department of Homeland Security, urging Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to advocate for changes to immigration policies, including reducing barriers to work authorization for migrants.
The state’s policies may make it more attractive to incoming migrants, Healey acknowledged in her letter to Mayorkas, noting that Massachusetts has long been a “beacon to those in need.” To support incoming families, Massachusetts has focused on providing job training, English classes, and rehousing assistance to help new arrivals integrate into the community. As of early 2024, the state had already assisted 3,785 migrants in obtaining work authorization and enrolled more than 1,100 in English classes.
Despite her stance on Trump’s immigration plans, Healey noted that Massachusetts would work collaboratively with the administration on issues where common ground could be found. “If there’s an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody,” she stated.
State Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio, R-Hackettstown, criticized Healey’s firm opposition, saying she is “missing the message” voters sent in the recent election. DiMaio urged Healey to reconsider her approach, adding, “It’s time for the governor to recognize that her values may not reflect the values of Massachusetts residents as widely as she assumes.” He expressed concern that Healey’s focus on opposing Trump could detract from addressing local needs, such as housing affordability and job access.
Healey’s stance mirrors the ongoing challenges state leaders face in navigating federal immigration policies, particularly those likely to affect state budgets and community services. With Trump’s immigration plans expected to be met with resistance across various states, Massachusetts is set to play a key role in the national debate over immigration policy and states’ rights.
Sources:
- MSNBC Interview with Gov. Maura Healey
- “Trump Campaign Promises ‘Largest Domestic Deportation Operation in History,’” New York Times
- Healey’s Letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Boston Globe
- State Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio’s remarks, Fox News Digital
