Connect with us

Boston, MA

Massachusetts rarity: Greater Boston town rejects immigrant protection petition

Published

on

Massachusetts rarity: Greater Boston town rejects immigrant protection petition


Massachusetts towns and cities are proceeding with caution as the Trump administration steams ahead in its crackdown on illegal immigration, with residents in one suburb rejecting a “safe communities” petition.

As some municipalities rushed to reaffirm their commitment to protecting all immigrants after Donald Trump won re-election last November, Mansfield is taking a different approach.

The suburb of roughly 24,000 people, about 30 miles southwest of Boston, has turned down a citizen’s petition to block town funds and resources from being used to enforce federal immigration law.

Resident Marcia Szymanski sponsored the petition that residents overwhelmingly rejected at a town meeting that drew a turnout of just over 480 locals. She argued that the measure would not have created a sanctuary town nor exposed Mansfield to federal funding “retaliation.”

Advertisement

“This article simply codifies what the town and the police force are already doing,” Szymanski said at the meeting on Wednesday. “The intent is to affirm the town’s commitment to the values of freedom, justice and equality for all Mansfield residents and visitors.”

“To take this action at this time is a vital contribution to public safety and a sense of community,” she added.

Police Chief Ron Sellon clarified that local resources are not being directed to enforcing federal laws, as is, connecting Mansfield’s status to a 2017 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling.

Under the so-called Lunn decision, local law enforcement cannot hold aliens based solely on a civil immigration detainer issued by federal officials beyond the time they would otherwise be released from custody.

That means aliens must be released even if federal immigration authorities issue a civil immigration detainer.

Advertisement

Sellon called the petition “moot,” while raising concerns about how support of the resolution could have prompted federal funding uncertainty as Mansfield faces financial struggles. The police department is relying on roughly $500,000 in federal grants to “offset” cuts, he said.

Mansfield residents also voted against a $2.7 million tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

Last August, Mansfield Police arrested Akim Marc Desire, 18, a Haitian national living in Massachusetts unlawfully, on a charge of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

“I will just be straight up and honest about it: I don’t know what the result is going to be,” Sellon said. “Donald Trump can’t find Mansfield on a map, but we don’t know if this is going to be the trigger that draws it for him.”

Mansfield’s rejection of the petition came two days after Trump signed an executive order directing his attorney general to work up a list of the country’s ‘sanctuary cities’ and warn them that they could lose funding or face other consequences.

Advertisement

Sanctuary policies are “a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Government’s obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States,” according to the president’s order.

Trump’s previous attempts to withhold funding to sanctuary cities and towns have been blocked in the courts.

While there is no strict “sanctuary jurisdiction” definition, the term is often used to describe those with policies that prevent local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal laws or holding detainees longer than they normally would based on a civil detainer.

The exact number of sanctuary towns and cities in Massachusetts is unclear. Boston, Somerville, Northampton, Amherst, Cambridge, Concord, Lawrence and Newton had been grouped into that category for years, but some now say they have never been defined as a sanctuary.

Concord Town Manager Kerry Lafleur told the Select Board just a week after Trump retook office that the town is “not a sanctuary city,” the hyperlocal Concord Bridge has reported. Police Capt. Brian Goldman told the outlet that listing the town as a sanctuary city is “misstated.”

Advertisement

“What was put forward in 2017 was a ‘Welcoming Community,’” Goldman told the Bridge in January. “So it’s a little different mix of words.”

Other municipalities, in the wake of Trump’s re-election, adopted sanctuary-like policies barring employees from inquiring about or collecting information regarding citizenship or immigration status unless required by federal or state law.

The Natick Select Board in December declared its policy as not a true sanctuary city directive, “like Somerville and Cambridge,” while the Medford City Council also approved a similar ordinance in January, making it a so-called “Welcoming City.”

Medford has purchased 8,000 “know your rights” cards slated to be distributed to immigrants, alerting them of their Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights of not allowing agents to enter their homes without a signed warrant and not speaking to or answering questions from them, according to Boston 25.

On Beacon Hill, House Democrats rejected a Republican-led effort to reform the SJC’s 2017 Lunn decision that would have allowed local law enforcement to detain someone wanted by federal immigration authorities for up to 12 hours after their court proceedings end.

Advertisement

The rejection, during a debate on the House’s $61 billion fiscal year 2026 budget last week, triggered Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy to sound off against the Democratic supermajority.

“Unlike Maura Healey, I will never allow politics to dictate decisions that put the safety of Massachusetts residents at risk,” Kennealy said in a statement. “Let’s be clear: if your laws protect illegal immigrants from federal enforcement, you are, by definition, a sanctuary state. That must end.”

Gov. Healey has repeatedly declared that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, even after federal authorities reportedly arrested 370 illegal aliens during an “enhanced operation,” which largely focused on transnational organized crime and gangs, including the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street.

Of the 370 people arrested in the March effort, 205 had significant criminal convictions or charges, ICE Boston reported. Border czar Tom Homan quickly vowed to return to the Bay State, as he said there is more “work to do.”

Healey has questioned Homan’s “fixation” on Massachusetts.

Advertisement

“To be quite honest, we’re a very safe state,” the governor told reporters after Homan’s initial visit. “We’re not a sanctuary state. Local, state, and federal law enforcement continue to work with and partner with one another.”

Before a Congressional committee probing sanctuary cities in early March, Mayor Michelle Wu touted Boston as the “safest major city” in the country, taking a swipe at the federal administration for spreading fear and undermining police work.



Source link

Advertisement

Boston, MA

Little November warmup ahead on Friday after Boston reaches a late first freeze – The Boston Globe

Published

on

Little November warmup ahead on Friday after Boston reaches a late first freeze – The Boston Globe


Sometime in the early-morning hours on Thursday, Logan Airport finally reached 32 degrees for the first time this season. This marks the 17th latest first freeze on record and is a trend of later frost starts that continues to occur. For the Boston area, the average date is Nov. 5, according to National Weather Service records.

Overall, the weather over the next several days is looking sunny and dry. But the good news is the brief warmup New England will get on Friday.

When you get up Friday morning, temperatures will be in the 30s east of I-495 and in the mid- to upper 20s west and over the higher elevations, not quite as cold as the past couple of mornings due to some high cloudiness and a southerly flow of air. The day will warm up, getting near or even a little above 50 degrees, especially along the coastal plain. This little boost in mild weather will also feature a blend of clouds and sunshine.

Highs on Friday may reach the low 50s for Boston and areas south.Boston Globe

Friday night: Possible light showers

Advertisement

A weak weather system crosses the area Friday night Friday night into early Saturday, with the chance of some shower activity, but this is minimal at best. The clouds will tend to thicken, and there is the chance of a couple of hours of showers. The data that I used to determine rainfall doesn’t show much in the way of precipitation, and some models even have it completely dry.

A front will bring light, scattered showers into New England on Friday night.Boston Globe
Friday will see increasing clouds with showers arriving during the night.Boston Globe

Saturday-Sunday: Back to sunshine

When you get up Saturday morning, if there is an early shower, it’s quickly out of the picture and we go back to sunshine. Temperatures will start above freezing everywhere Saturday morning, so if you have any field games, the ground will not be frozen. In the afternoon, readings will be between 43 and 48 across most of the region.

Clear skies Saturday night allow temperatures to once again fall back to typical levels in the 20s and 30s, and then it’s a gorgeous Sunday with temperatures in the mid-40s in the afternoon and light wind.

Highs on Saturday will reach the upper 40s across Southern New England.Boston Globe
Highs on Sunday will likely remain in the mid to upper 40s.Boston Globe

The lack of wind this weekend will make it great for leaf-raking and other fall cleanup since the leaves won’t be blowing around. Remember, if you can leave the leaves in your garden beds, it does act as a protection for many perennials, but I do recommend removing the leaves from the lawn.

With the nice weather across all of New England this weekend, it’s actually an opportunity to take advantage of the early snow that has fallen across Vermont, New Hampshire, and portions of Maine. Northern Vermont, in particular, as well as the mountains of New Hampshire, have done particularly well in terms of November snowfall. This means you can expect almost mid-winter conditions on a few trails for those areas that received the bulk of the snowfall.

Some portions of Northern New England have 4 to 16 inches of snowpack heading into the weekend. Above is the snow depth as of Thursday, Nov. 20.NOAA

Thanksgiving week look-ahead forecast

Next week looks dry until we get to around Wednesday. A weather system may bring a few showers sometime on Wednesday, but it doesn’t look significant. This means great travel weather starts the work week. I don’t see any major storms nationwide to create travel delays. Thanksgiving also looks dry as of now.

Advertisement
Here’s the 7-day outlook for the Boston area.Boston Globe

Greater Boston: Look for a blend of clouds and sunshine on Friday with temperatures starting in the low to mid-30s and reaching near 50 in the afternoon. An early shower gives way to sunshine on Saturday with highs in the 40s.

Central/Western Mass.: Look for temperatures starting in the 20s on Friday, reaching the upper 40s in the afternoon, along with a blend of clouds and sun. Clearing takes place Saturday morning with highs in the 40s along with sunshine.

Southeastern Mass.: Plenty of sunshine mixed with clouds on Friday with temperatures near 50. An early shower Saturday leads to clearing in the afternoon. Highs will be in the 40s with lows back in the 20s. Sunday features sunshine with temperatures back into the mid-40s.

Cape and Islands: Look for a blend of sunshine and a few clouds on Friday with temperatures in the mid-40s. The weekend starts on a cloudy note with clearing developing in the afternoon on Saturday and highs near 50. It’s cold Saturday night with temperatures near 30 and in the 40s with sunshine on Sunday.

Rhode Island: Sunshine is abundant on Friday with temperatures near 50. Look for clearing from north to south on Saturday morning after an early sprinkle across the south coast. Temperatures will be near 50 in the afternoon sunshine, with temperatures in the 40s for Sunday.

New Hampshire: You can expect sunshine on Friday with temperatures near 40. Look for a dry weekend ahead with temperatures within a few degrees of 40 on Saturday and just under 40 on Sunday. Both days will feature sunshine; it’s a bit breezy on Saturday.

Advertisement

Sign up here for our daily Globe Weather Forecast that will arrive straight into your inbox bright and early each weekday morning.





Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

‘Game-changer’ as Michelin Guide recommends Boston-area restaurants

Published

on

‘Game-changer’ as Michelin Guide recommends Boston-area restaurants


Boston finally has its first Michelin star.

311 Omakase in the South End received one star at Michelin’s Northeast Cities ceremony in Philadelphia Tuesday night. The 10-seat restaurant is tucked away in a basement, and the price starts at $250 per person. It was the only restaurant to receive a star in Boston’s inaugural year with the Michelin Guide.

“It’s a starting point. It’s going to build momentum for us,” said David O’Donnell, vice president of communications for Meet Boston.

Meet Boston was influential in bringing the Michelin Guide to Boston, but would not disclose how much the organization paid for it.

Advertisement

“Any recognition you get from Michelin is a game-changer, not only for those restaurants and chefs, but for the destination,” O’Donnell said.

The legendary recognition goes to 311 Omakase on Tremont Street in the city’s South End.

Six restaurants received Bib Gourmand awards recognizing high-quality food at a reasonable price, including Bar Volpe and Fox & the Knife in South Boston, both owned by Karen Akunowicz.

“I want to cry. I mean, I was shocked, and I still am,” said Akunowicz. “For me, that was like getting three stars. Our teams work tirelessly to bring excellent food and amazing hospitality experiences to the folks in Boston and beyond.”

In Cambridge, three restaurants — Jahunger, Pagu, and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen — also earned Bib Gourmands, along with Mahaniyom in Brookline.

Advertisement

On top of that, 20 eateries were named Recommended Restaurants, including Select Oyster Bar in Boston’s Back Bay.

“We try and serve the best seafood we can get our hands on, and if it’s not top-shelf, A+ grade, we don’t let it in the door,” said Benjamin Sandrof, a bartender at Select Oyster Bar.

Toro in the South End also earned the honor of Recommended Restaurant after two decades in the neighborhood.

“This long in, we’re like, ‘Who would ever even recognize us for what we’re doing?’ Because there’s so many new, great chefs in Boston, and we’re not the new kid on the block anymore, and it’s just so nice that people still notice the effort,” said Ken Oringer, the chef and owner.

See the full list of Boston-area restaurants recognized in the Michelin Guide.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

Nearly 200 people become American citizens during emotional Boston ceremony

Published

on

Nearly 200 people become American citizens during emotional Boston ceremony


By Aaron Parseghian, WBZ-TV

Nearly 200 people from more than 50 countries became America’s newest citizens Tuesday, raising their right hands and reciting the oath of allegiance during an emotional naturalization ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

“By your hard work, patience, and commitment to this long process, you have all earned the right to be citizens of the United States of America,” said U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs, who presided over the naturalization ceremony. “I think that John F. Kennedy, if he could see us now, would love knowing that his library is one of the places where people become citizens.”

Boston naturalization ceremony

For some, the day marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Gaison Brumaire, who came to the U.S. from Haiti in 2016, said the ceremony opened the door to new possibilities.

Advertisement

“I’m just excited. I mean, there’s a lot of opportunity. Like, you know, we can vote now,” Brumaire said.

“I’ve long been hearing about America. America has been a great country, so it’s everybody’s dream. And I’m happy to be a part of it,” added Beatrice Gray, a new U.S. citizen from Liberia. “I’ve long been wanting this forever, and I decided to just abide by the rules and laws of this country and being in America, being so great. I mean, I’m so happy.”

Others described a mix of joy and relief. João Oliveira moved from Brazil to Milford as a teenager and spent nearly a decade waiting for this moment.

“Having all the responsibilities and rights that only you can get when you are a citizen, it’s awesome. It’s a thing that I always wanted to have,” Oliveira said.

“I feel so proud to be an American citizen”  

Despite living in the country legally, he said recent national debates and crackdowns on immigration left him feeling uneasy.

Advertisement

“You know we see a lot of political talk about immigration and everything and laws changing every time. You never feel safe,” Olivera said. “Someone could sign a law that makes you not part of this country anymore. So you always feel anxious about it. And being a citizen says, like, nobody can take this right away from me anymore.”

For Tibet native Yeshi Nyizing, becoming an American was the culmination of hard work and sacrifice.

“I work day and night and I pay a lot of taxes and then I made it,” she said. “I feel so proud to be an American citizen. I love America.”



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending