Lawyers for Civil Rights strongly supports SD 3607, An Act Protecting Access to Justice, which would ensure that Massachusetts courthouses remain safe spaces where all people can access due process without fear of civil immigration enforcement. In response to a sharp rise in ICE arrests at and near courthouses—often by masked, unidentified officers—this legislation addresses the severe chilling effect on immigrant victims, witnesses, workers, tenants, and families who are now afraid to appear in court. SD 3607 establishes clear safeguards by requiring judicial warrants for civil immigration arrests, mandating officer identification and transparency, and creating meaningful accountability for violations. By doing so, the bill protects constitutional rights, reinforces public trust in the courts, and preserves the integrity of the justice system for all Massachusetts residents.
LCR’s support letter is available here.