Many Valley residents assume that Massachusetts is already a sanctuary state that is doing as much as possible to defend immigrants from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The truth is that Gov. Maura Healey, the country’s first openly lesbian governor, does not believe that Massachusetts should be a sanctuary state, and that collaboration between ICE will continue under her governorship. Gov. Healey also wants to make it harder to access housing assistance and the state’s shelter system. There is not a shortage of resources; there is a shortage of justice.

Instead of billions for corporate handouts and war, we could fully fund a robust social safety net and create decent union jobs for all. As a gay man, I find it shameful that an LGBTQ elected official would sacrifice the rights and safety of Massachusetts residents for political gain. Similarly opportunistic policies reliant on bigotry and scapegoating have caused immense harm within LGBTQ communities.

The situation is dire. Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, was separated from his wife and is being held at an ICE facility in Louisiana for nonviolently protesting the U.S.-Israeli genocide in Gaza. Fabian Schmitt, a legal permanent resident of the U.S. originally from Germany, was inexplicably detained at Logan and is being held at a detention center in Rhode Island. Instead of scapegoating immigrants, we should be resisting Trump’s billionaire coup and the ruling class attacks on our rights and livelihoods. Make Massachusetts a sanctuary state! Sign the petition: https://sanctuarystatema.org/.

Michael John Kowalchuk

Northampton