Governor raises due‑process concerns after ICE activity, warns moves could harm Massachusetts universities and economy

The governor said recent immigration enforcement actions that removed people from island communities raised serious due‑process questions and could harm Massachusetts’s research institutions and local economies.

“I understand that there were 40 people picked up. I also have only heard about 2 with alleged criminal records,” the governor said, adding that state and local officials had “0 information” about the circumstances of those taken and that lack of clarity raised concerns about process and community impact.

The governor described the effects she said such actions could have on higher education and innovation in the state, saying attacks on universities deter foreign students and researchers whose activity supports local businesses and startup formation. She said officials had seen students and postdoctoral researchers decide not to remain in or come to Massachusetts because of uncertainty.

“We have 0 information about what’s happening in communities, and that needs to change,” the governor said, calling for clarification from federal immigration authorities. She pointed to reported detentions on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and said the resulting uncertainty is “totally unnecessary” and creates fear and anxiety in affected communities.

The governor tied the issue to economic concerns, arguing that restrictive federal actions risk driving talent and research overseas and that local retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses depend on student populations and university‑linked research activity. “If you got a choice, I’m gonna go up to McGill in Canada, or I’m gonna go study in Europe,” she said, warning that other countries and institutions are actively recruiting researchers and students.

The governor said she supports targeted enforcement against people who have committed crimes but criticized what she described as broad or poorly communicated enforcement actions. She urged federal agencies to provide information to state and local authorities to address questions about due process and community impact. No state action or new regulatory changes were announced in connection with her remarks.

Speakers at the event did not propose or vote on state measures addressing immigration enforcement; the governor framed her comments as concerns and requests for clarification from federal authorities rather than as new state policy proposals.