Acton Select Board approves letter supporting ‘Safe Communities’ law; one member objects

The Acton Select Board voted March 17 to send a letter to the Massachusetts Legislature expressing support for a state-level Safe Communities Act, a bill that would restrict local cooperation with certain federal immigration enforcement actions.

During discussion, board members and members of the public described the proposal as a measure to protect community trust in local services and avoid situations in which individuals might be detained or deported without adequate due process. Supporters cited court precedent and the need to preserve residents’ access to police, health care and other services. Opponents said existing court decisions already limit local civil immigration enforcement and said they were concerned about sending the town’s name in support of state legislation.

After debate, Select Board member Alyssa moved to approve a letter of support; part of the motion included removing Select Board member Dean’s name from the list of board signatories after Dean said he would not consent to being listed. The motion passed on the board floor. During the vote Dean registered his opposition; other board members voted in favor. Several residents spoke in favor of the board sending a supportive letter before the vote.

The board directed staff to finalize the letter and forward it to the town’s state legislative delegation.