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Safe Communities Act

The Arlington Human Rights Commission endorses the Safe Communities Act (House 3575 – Balser & Miranda and Senate 1401 – Eldridge) – Please attend the House and Senate Joint Hearing on Friday, January 24 at 9:00am at the State House.


In 2017, The Massachusetts Safe Communities Coalition launched a state-wide movement of immigrant and refugee advocates, human rights groups, service providers, faith leaders and allies committed to ensuring that in Massachusetts, no one has to live in fear and everyone’s civil and human rights will be respected. The Coalition has built unprecedented support on Beacon Hill and across the Commonwealth. Since then, dozens of communities, including Arlington, have adopted local pro-immigrant and refugee policies.


On May 9, 2017, the Town of Arlington passed a non-binding Trust Act resolution, endorsing the Arlington Police Department’s ongoing community policing practices. In passing Article 59, the town essentially made a statement that it will adhere to the same practices as Sanctuary Communities. The vote was 173-19 in the affirmative. Municipal officials in both sanctuary towns and “Trust Act” communities typically will not detain undocumented immigrants for violating federal immigration law unless there is a legitimate law enforcement reason for detention besides a person’s immigration status. Arlington police abide by this policy.


On Friday, January 24 at 9:00am, the House and Senate Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a day-long hearing on the Safe Communities Act, in Gardner Auditorium. This will be the largest mobilization of the Human Rights and Social Justice community in Massachusetts to date in support of this vital legislation to protect the safety and security of the Immigrant, Refugee and Asylum-seeking community.


We encourage members of the community to attend this hearing in support of this vital legislation and to continue ongoing advocacy for the immigrant, refugee and asylum-seeking community.


For more information about the Safe Communities Act and the Massachusetts Safe Communities Coalition, please go to https://www.miracoalition.org/safe-communities.

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