News  Governor Healey Issues Statewide Guidance for Schools, Child Care Providers, Higher Ed Campuses, Health Care Facilities and Places of Worship on Interacting with ICE

Boston — BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced new statewide guidance for schools, child care providers, higher education campuses, health care facilities and places of worship regarding interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The guidance is intended to help organizations across Massachusetts protect access to essential services understand their rights and responsibilities and prepare staff to respond appropriately if federal immigration officers arrive on site.   

The guidance was required under the Executive Order that Governor Healey signed earlier this year, which also prohibited new 287(g) agreements, prohibited ICE from making civil arrests in non-public areas of state facilities, and prohibited the use of state property for immigration enforcement staging. 

Today’s rollout includes operational guidance for schools, child care providers, colleges and universities, hospitals and health care providers, and places of worship, along with public-facing guidance clarifying that federal immigration officers may not conduct warrantless civil immigration arrests in nonpublic areas of state executive branch facilities and may not use state property to stage or conduct civil immigration enforcement operations.  

The guidance also clarifies that administrative warrants issued by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security do not authorize entry into nonpublic spaces. Providers and organizations are encouraged to establish clear escalation procedures, identify public and nonpublic areas, protect confidential information and train staff on how to respond appropriately to interactions with federal immigration officers. 

“People in Massachusetts should be able to live their lives — go to school, drop their kids off at child care, see a doctor — without fear. That is fundamental,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are setting clear expectations so providers know how to respond, how to protect their communities, and how to keep their doors open to everyone who needs care and support.” 

“Providers across Massachusetts are showing up every day for children, families and patients,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This guidance gives them the tools to do that while keeping services running and protecting the people in their care.” 

The guidance outlines clear steps child care providers, K-12 schools, public and private colleges and universities, and health care facilities and places of worship can take to respond if federal immigration officers arrive on site. The guidance outlines clear recommendations organizations can follow if federal immigration officers arrive on site, including routing interactions through designated administrators or trained staff, requiring legal review of warrants or requests for access, documenting interactions and conducting Know Your Rights trainings for staff and communities. The guidance released today includes recommendations for: 

Schools, child care providers and higher education institutions:  

• Routing interactions with federal immigration officers through designated administrators or trained staff 
• Requiring legal review of warrants or requests for access before taking action 
• Declining access to nonpublic areas, including classrooms, offices and dormitories, unless presented with a valid judicial warrant or judicial order 
• Protecting confidential student and family information unless disclosure is legally required 
• Documenting interactions and following internal reporting protocols 

Health care providers and facilities: 

• Prioritizing patient care above all else 
• Protecting confidential health information and ensuring private communication between patients and providers  
• Establishing internal reporting and escalation pathways  
• Documenting any interactions that could affect the delivery of care 

Places of worship:  

• Designating a primary point of contact for interactions with federal immigration officers 
• Requiring a valid judicial warrant or court order before allowing entry into nonpublic areas, including offices, classrooms, nurseries and other restricted spaces 
• Clearly identifying and marking public and nonpublic areas, including posting signage and defining any restrictions on access to buildings, parking areas or events  
• Developing written policies and visitor protocols 
• Refraining from sharing personal information about congregants, staff or volunteers unless legally required  
• Documenting any interactions with federal immigration officers and following internal reporting protocols  
• Ensuring staff, volunteers and congregants understand their rights, including the right to remain silent, consult an attorney and document enforcement activity from a safe distance  
•  Conducting Know Your Rights trainings and educating congregants about available legal resources 

Governor Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell previously reminded Massachusetts students and faculty that ICE does not have a right to enter non-public campus facilities, including dormitories, without a valid judicial warrant or judicial order.  Public-facing guidance for state facilities and state property: 
 

• Clarifying that federal immigration officers may not enter nonpublic areas of state facilities without a valid judicial warrant or judicial order 
• Clarifying that administrative warrants issued by federal agencies do not authorize entry into nonpublic spaces 
• Prohibiting warrantless civil immigration arrests in private areas of state facilities 
• Prohibiting the use of state property to stage or conduct civil immigration enforcement operations 

The administration is working with the Executive Office of Education (EOE) and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support outreach and implementation of this guidance, including sharing best practices and providing resources to providers across the state. 

“As a former superintendent, I have witnessed firsthand how ICE’s reckless and inhumane tactics have instilled fear in our communities and impacted learning,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “In Massachusetts, we want every student to feel safe and not be afraid to go to child care, school or campus. I am grateful to education leaders across the state who have stepped up to support students and families through empathy and compassion. Today’s guidance strengthens our commitment to seeing that everyone has equal access to education.” 

“In Massachusetts, we’re protecting every community member’s access to health care,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “People should never have to choose between their health and their safety, and deferred medical care because of immigration-related fears will only put greater strain on our health system down the line. This guidance provides assurance that residents across our state can continue to access health care and live healthy, full lives.” 

This guidance builds on a series of actions that Governor Healey has taken this year to protect Massachusetts residents from abuses by ICE. Alongside the Executive Order, Governor Healey filed legislation to keep ICE out of courthouses, schools, child care programs, hospitals and churches; make it unlawful for another state to deploy its National Guard in Massachusetts without the Governor’s permission; and allow parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported. 

“All children deserve to feel safe, supported, and able to learn and grow in their early education and child care settings,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The Administration’s updated guidance on interactions with ICE provides important clarity and reinforces existing legal protections for educators, children and families and reflects our commitment to enabling them to feel secure in the places where they live, learn, and work.” 

"Students have a right to be in school, and we want our educators and school leaders to be clear about what steps to take if immigration enforcement shows up at their door," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "Today's guidance reinforces the information we have previously shared with schools and reflects the state's support for students and educators." 

“We want students to feel supported on our campuses so they can engage in all the opportunities that higher education offers,” Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “This guidance highlights crucial practices and protocols that are valuable as institutions work continuously to protect students’ rights.”  

Governor Healey recently launched an online portal with Attorney General Campbell that allows Massachusetts residents to report alleged misconduct by ICE, opposed ICE flights at Hanscom Airport, called for an extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and other immigrants, and opposed new ICE Detention Centers in New England. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also connected thousands of immigrants with legal services and provided robust multilingual resources for communities and employers. 

Statements of Support 

Liz Sweet, Executive Director, the MIRA Coalition: 

"We need to do everything we can to protect our immigrant communities, particularly to ensure they are safe in schools, hospitals, courthouses and houses of worship. ICE's continued violence and use of paramilitary tactics has no place in Massachusetts and we are grateful to Governor Healey for her strong stance to protect people in our state. We look forward to continuing our work with the Governor, Legislature, community partners and businesses to keep Massachusetts safe and welcoming." 

Reverend Dr. Dieufort J. Fleurissaint, Senior Pastor, Total Health Christian Ministries: 

Places of worship must remain sacred spaces of prayer, refuge, healing, and hope for all people, regardless of their immigration status. We commend the Governor of Massachusetts for providing clear guidance that helps protect sensitive locations and uphold the dignity, religious freedom, and constitutional rights of vulnerable families throughout our Commonwealth. At a time of fear and uncertainty, faith communities must continue to stand as beacons of compassion, justice, and peace.” 

Auxiliary Bishop Cristiano Barbosa, Archdiocese of Boston:

"No one questions the need to ensure the safety of all our citizens.  We also have a responsibility to preserve the dignity of all people including those who are here out of desperation for their children and families.  Whether an immigrant or not, places such as churches, schools, state courts, and hospitals are essential to maintaining the common good for all people in a civil society such as the United States and here in the Commonwealth.  The mission of the Church enshrined in Catholic Social Teaching mandates how we are to treat and support immigrants and people seeking shelter, food, and medicine.  Political division has prohibited comprehensive immigration reform at the national level, while millions of people are impacted by uncertainty, lack of due process and those essentials needed to survive." 

Greater Boston Interfaith Organization  

“GBIO is an organization made up of 53 churches, synagogues and mosques working together to advance social justice and equity. In conversations over the last 6 months, our members identified the cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants as far and away their greatest concern and priority for action. All of our faiths place the highest value on welcoming the stranger, a value this administration tramples every day. We at GBIO deeply appreciate the actions of the Governor in making it clear that ICE’s cruel depredations have no home here in Massachusetts, and we look forward to working together with her and the legislature to expand these protections and keep our neighbors and our communities safe.” 

Jeremy Burton, CEO, JCRC of Greater Boston: 

Synagogues and other houses of worship are vital anchors of vibrant communities, providing welcoming spaces for all people and upholding human dignity. This guidance is an important and welcome step in supporting our sanctuaries as places of spiritual comfort and safety for all who seek them. We applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration’s leadership in ensuring that Massachusetts stands with our most vulnerable neighbors. 

William J. Eddy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care: 

“Early education settings sole focus must be on providing safe and secure, high-quality, early education and care services to children across Massachusetts without fear or political intimidation. Early education programs throughout the state thank Governor Healey for her actions and continued support of our mission.” 

Kate-Marie Roycroft, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs: 

"Clear, consistent guidance is essential to protecting vulnerable communities. When schools, child care providers, colleges, health care facilities, and places of worship understand how to respond, they can foster environments where individuals access education, care, and community services with confidence. This leadership reinforces the protection of personal data and nonpublic spaces while affirming a fundamental principle: everyone in Massachusetts deserves to feel safe, supported, and able to fully participate in community life.” 

Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of Strategies for Children:  

“We are grateful to Governor Maura Healey and her Administration for their continued leadership at a time when many families are facing fear and uncertainty. Every child deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to learn and grow. Schools and early learning programs must remain safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn and play without fear. Early childhood educators are on the front lines every day, supporting children and families with compassion, dedication, and resolve under challenging circumstances. We deeply value this resilient workforce and their commitment to building trust, strengthening partnerships with families, and providing high quality learning experiences. At the heart of this work is the well-being of children, the stability of families, and the strength of our communities.” 

Dave Foley, President of SEIU Local 509: 

“We applaud the Healey administration for supporting and issuing updated guidance that reinforces protections for immigrant communities who access child care programs, schools, and health care institutions across the Commonwealth. Schools and hospitals must remain places of healing, not fear. No one should be afraid to pick up their children from child care, and no patient should ever be afraid to seek medical care. Due to the advocacy of our partner organizations and legislative champions, this updated guidance is a crucial step to ensure Massachusetts establishes meaningful protections against the unlawful and violent actions of ICE.”  

Michelle Haimowitz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association: 

"Head Start classrooms have always been a place where every family, regardless of background or circumstance, can access the services their children need to thrive. We're grateful for the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration in their commitment to our communities and the programs that serve the Commonwealth's most vulnerable children and families. This guidance supports families to access the education and health care they need without fear and supports the whole-family, whole-child work we do every day." 

Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents: 

“On behalf of Massachusetts’ superintendents, we support Governor Maura Healey’s clear statewide guidance for schools interacting with ICE. At a time of uncertainty, this direction helps school leaders protect students, families, and staff while ensuring schools remain safe, supportive environments focused on teaching and learning, and grounded in respect for the legal rights and dignity of all.” 

Bob Baldwin, Executive Director, Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association: 

“The Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association supports this definitive process that recognizes a clear protocol for any legal interactions with federal authorities and at the same time protects the rights of all students and protects a safe educational environment in all our schools.” 

Dr. William Heineman, President, North Shore Community College, Chair, Community College Council of Presidents 

"The community colleges appreciate this detailed statewide guidance on the Governor's Executive Order as they work to provide a welcoming environment for their students and employees."    

Dr. Linda Thompson, Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, and President of Westfield State University:  

“Across the state university system, we are committed to fostering a supportive, informed, and safe environment for our students, faculty, librarians, staff, and guests. We appreciate the statewide guidance provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which clarifies institutional rights and responsibilities related to federal immigration policy. Clear guidance enables public colleges and universities to respond in a thoughtful and consistent manner, grounded in legal obligations and guided by principles of fairness, privacy, and respect for individual rights.” 

Rob McCarron, President and CEO, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts 

“We thank Governor Healey for issuing this important guidance for colleges and universities, and their students, when interacting with ICE agents on or near campus. Governor Healey’s continued leadership and support against the backdrop of the ongoing uncertainty emanating from Washington, DC, should be applauded. Our institutions never waver from providing safe and welcoming campuses for all.” 

Jennifer Lemmerman, Executive Director of Health Care for All 

“Fear of immigration enforcement should never be a barrier to getting medical care. At Health Care for All, we continue to hear from consumers and community partners that these concerns are causing some people to delay care or even avoid it altogether. Access means very little if people are afraid to use it. Governor Healey's guidance sends a clear message that hospitals, community health centers, and doctors' offices should be safe places where people understand their rights and can seek needed health care with confidence.”  

Steve Walsh, President & CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association 

“For our hospitals, nothing is more important than their ability to deliver high-quality, compassionate – often lifesaving – care to everyone in need. MHA and our members continue to be grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s partnership with local providers as they carry out this daily mission. Massachusetts’ healthcare system will continue to center itself around safe, supportive environments for all patients and caregivers.” 

Gladys Vega, Executive Director, La Colaborativa

“Our immigrant families deserve to live with dignity, not fear. Guidance that helps protect access to schools, healthcare, shelters, and other essential services is deeply important for the wellbeing of our communities. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing that public safety and community trust go hand in hand.”

“Nuestras familias inmigrantes merecen vivir con dignidad y no con miedo. La acción que han tomado para ayudar a proteger el acceso a las escuelas, la atención médica, los refugios y otros servicios esenciales es profundamente importante para el bienestar de nuestras comunidades. Agradecemos a la Administración Healey-Driscoll por reconocer que la seguridad pública y la confianza comunitaria van de la mano.”