Democrats’ silence on Safe Communities Act is a sign of why Baker, GOP forces will prevail
Massachusetts Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson supports an immigration enforcement aid that would be ended by a statewide Safe Communities Act. (Photo: Bristol County Sheriff)
The Massachusetts Democratic Convention just ended in Worcester. I’ve seen not one speech, no social media posts, not a single word over this weekend about Democrats holding their candidates or fellow party members in elected office responsible for the stalled Safe Communities Act, which languishes in the state’s House of Representatives. The act isn’t stalled because of Republicans; it’s stalled because of Democrats’ refusal to act.
This is why the Democrats will never beat Republican Gov. Charlie Baker this fall.
The act would, in essence, make Massachusetts a sanctuary state like California, helping protect vulnerable immigrants. Women without legal immigration status who are victims of domestic violence would be protected when seeking restraining orders against their abusers. Immigrant victims of crimes would feel safe reporting them to police throughout Massachusetts. The 287(g) program, making a few Massachusetts sheriffs and their deputies ICE agents would be moot.
Democrats want to hold Baker responsible for not condemning President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and agendas, but at the same time they don’t hold themselves accountable for not even bringing the SCA up for a vote. This is disgraceful, and Democrats should be held accountable by supporters of the act at the ballot box. It’s long overdue for Massachusetts Democrats to take action to pass the Safe Communities Act.
Emmanuel “Manny” Lusardi is an East Cambridge resident and longtime advocate for immigrant rights.
Regarding the convention, every speaker talked about the Safe Communities Act. Jay Gonzalez talked about his immigrant father becoming a US citizen and his commitment to passing the Safe Communities Act.
Here is a quote from Jay’s website:
Jay Gonzalez’s response to Baker’s stance on the safe communities act:
“It’s outrageous that Charlie Baker wants to use state and local law enforcement officials to enforce Donald Trump’s federal immigration policies,” said Gonzalez.
“Donald Trump’s hateful and discriminatory immigration policies have no place in Massachusetts. The first piece of legislation I supported as a candidate for Governor was the Safe Communities Act. As your Governor, I would never hesitate to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
My editorial above is not about, not talking about standing up for the SCA nor talking about one’s ancestor’s. Talk is easy. Immigrants need action. The above editorial is very clearly and factually about how the SCA has languished in the House of Representatives far too long, solely due to Democrat’s refusal to act. Speaker DeLeo has refused to allow for a vote and his fellow Democrat’s have not held him accountable. Nowhere in this equation are the Republicans or Gov. Baker. Not one single Democrat spoke at the convention about holding their fellow party members accountable for not fighting for a vote on the SCA. There is a desperate lack of leadership in the Massachusetts Democratic party and immigrants without legal status continue to pay the price daily for this inaction. Democrats will continue to lose because they are afraid to fight for passage of the SCA. While innocent, vulnerable immigrants pay the price for MA Democratic negligence.