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Boston City Council adopts emergency resolution opposing ICE plan to lease downtown parking
Summary
The council unanimously adopted an emergency resolution urging property owners and officials to reject requests by ICE to lease up to 250 downtown parking spaces, saying the move would harm immigrant communities and public trust.
The Boston City Council on July 22 adopted an emergency resolution opposing any effort to lease downtown parking spaces to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after sponsors said reports showed the agency seeking as many as 250 spots.
"Last night, it was reported that ICE agency is seeking to secure up to 250 parking spaces in Downtown Boston to support their operations," Councilor Michael Pepin said, introducing the late-file emergency resolution. He said the request had come to the council's attention only the day before and that it stoked fear among immigrant residents.
Councilor Liu (Louis Jain) added that the city previously enacted an executive order preventing city-owned properties from being used by ICE for staging and that the recently signed Protect Act at the state level keeps ICE out of courthouses, schools, and hospitals. "We don't want it, we don't need it, and we hope it goes elsewhere," Councilor Weber said, recounting outreach by the Downtown Boston Alliance.
Supporters said they were asking private property owners, garages and parking operators not to lease to ICE. The council recorded an affirmative roll call and adopted the resolution; the clerk announced the emergency resolution received 12 votes in the affirmative. The resolution is a statement of the council's position and directs city departments and stakeholders to oppose any such leasing arrangements.
The emergency resolution does not impose a binding restriction on private property owners, but sponsors said its purpose is to clarify the city's stance and dissuade businesses from contracting with ICE. Councilors who addressed the chamber emphasized the emotional impact on immigrant residents and urged property owners to decline such arrangements.
