Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is now under fire as the state grapples with a migrant crisis and alarming incidents at state-funded shelters. In the wake of a Dominican national’s arrest for drug and weapons charges at a shelter, Healey has ordered a comprehensive review of intake procedures and called for federal immigration reform.
Healey, who once vowed to oppose former President Donald Trump’s deportation plans, now welcomes President-elect Trump and is urging his administration to address immigration system flaws.
Speaking on Friday, Healey stated, “States have to foot the bill for this. The taxpayers have to foot the bill for this, and we’re strained and burdened in the way that we are. I hope President Trump takes action and that both the House of Representatives and the Senate work with the president on those changes.”
RELATED: Massachusetts Family-Immigrant Shelters Reportedly Rife With Rape, Assaults
Her remarks followed the arrest of Leonardo Andres Sanchez, a 28-year-old Dominican national, found with 10 pounds of fentanyl and an AR-15 rifle at a shelter in Revere. This high-profile case, along with other alarming incidents, has intensified scrutiny of the state’s policies and prompted Healey to defend Massachusetts’ approach while distancing the state from the “sanctuary state” label.
Republican leaders have criticized Healey’s handling of the crisis. Massachusetts GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale called the governor’s delayed action “despicable” and accused the administration of creating a “state-funded humanitarian crisis.”
“Massachusetts’ overly generous Right-to-Shelter law has become a magnet for migrants and illegal immigrants worldwide,” Carnevale said. Internal reports obtained by the Boston Herald reveal troubling incidents at state shelters, including child abuse, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.
READ: Massachusetts Gov Orders Shelter Inspections After Illegal Migrant Arrested With AR-15, Drugs
Healey announced sweeping inspections of the state’s emergency shelter system following Sanchez’s arrest. “It is outrageous that someone was able to exploit our shelter system to engage in criminal activity,” she said. Massachusetts has relied on 128 hotels and motels to house migrants and homeless families, costing taxpayers nearly $1 billion annually.
Despite the inspections, Healey’s administration is grappling with accusations that its policies have fueled the crisis. A state commission report found that Massachusetts is expected to spend over $1 billion on sheltering migrants and families in fiscal year 2025.
Healey pushed back against claims that Massachusetts is a sanctuary state, asserting, “We’re not a sanctuary state.” She added that violent criminals who are not lawfully present should be deported, but rejected the idea of indiscriminate raids on migrant shelters.
However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials argue otherwise. Todd Lyons, director of ICE’s Boston field office, highlighted the state’s lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities and criticized restrictions on sharing information.
READ: Massachusetts Court Ignored ICE Detainer For Illegal Immigrant Accused Of Kidnapping, Attempted Rape
Massachusetts’ migrant crisis reflects broader issues stemming from the outgoing Biden administration’s immigration policies. The state is home to approximately 355,000 illegal migrants, with 50,000 arriving since 2021. Cities like Boston have reinforced their sanctuary status, further complicating federal and local collaboration.
As the Healey administration faces mounting pressure, Governor Healey emphasized the need for federal leadership. “We need a comprehensive approach to immigration reform,” she said, calling on the incoming Trump administration and Congress to work together on solutions.
With President-elect Trump preparing to take office, Massachusetts finds itself at the forefront of the national immigration debate. As the state struggles to address the immediate challenges of sheltering migrants and ensuring public safety, all eyes are on Washington for meaningful action.
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