Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts and Lexington resident, and Laura Rótolo, ACLU of Massachusetts staff counsel and community advocate, today released the following statement in response to Lexington passing a resolution stating that the police department will not arrest people based on their immigration status and that the town of Lexington will not use its own resources to help promote immigration enforcement:
“Lexington residents and leaders have confirmed that our town is one that values inclusivity, acceptance, and democracy. The ACLU of Massachusetts joins Lexington People Power and the many other Lexington residents who led this campaign from the grassroots in celebrating this victory of love over hate and hope over fear. Last night’s overwhelming vote in favor shows that when a few people stand up against intolerance and fear, others will support. Lexington residents spoke from the heart about their families’ immigrant heritage and the need to protect newer immigrants who face a more difficult path today.
“The resolution will protect the civil rights of people who live, work and visit here by making sure our local resources are not used to help the Trump administration deport immigrants – and it signals the need and desire for Massachusetts to adopt a statewide policy to protect our communities from the Trump deportation machine. Today, we once again call on the Massachusetts legislature to pass the Safe Communities Act, which would ensure that all cities and towns are as welcoming as Lexington has shown itself to be.”
Click here to learn more about the ACLU of Massachusetts' immigrants' rights work.
