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On January 29, 2026, Massachusetts Governor Sarah Peters signed a new immigration bill into law, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to protect and support immigrant communities. The legislation, titled the "Immigrant Rights and Protections Act," aims to provide crucial protections for immigrants living in Massachusetts and to promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment in the state.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of statewide sanctuary policies, which prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in most cases. This means that Massachusetts will not detain individuals based solely on their immigration status, and will not comply with requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold individuals for deportation.In addition to these sanctuary policies, the Immigrant Rights and Protections Act also includes measures to expand access to education and healthcare for undocumented immigrants, as well as provisions to prevent discrimination based on immigration status. The law also creates a dedicated office within the state government to provide services and resources to immigrant communities, including legal assistance and language interpretation services.Governor Sarah Peters praised the new legislation as a crucial step in upholding the values of inclusivity and diversity that make Massachusetts a welcoming place for all residents. “Immigrants are an integral part of our communities and our economy, and it is our duty to protect and support them,” Governor Peters said in a statement. “This new law sends a clear message that Massachusetts stands firmly on the side of immigrant rights and equality.”The Immigrant Rights and Protections Act has been met with widespread support from immigrant advocacy groups, as well as from lawmakers and community leaders across the state. Many have hailed the law as a bold and progressive move that sets an example for other states to follow in protecting the rights of immigrant communities.With the signing of the Immigrant Rights and Protections Act, Massachusetts joins a growing number of states that have taken steps to protect and support immigrant communities in the face of federal immigration policies that many view as hostile and discriminatory. This new law represents a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates in Massachusetts and sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the country.