Community, Courage, and a Call for Action by MIRA at the State House
On Tuesday, November 25th, hundreds of advocates, community leaders, and impacted residents filled the Massachusetts State House for a day that showcased the strength, unity, and clarity of purpose behind the Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) campaign. From an energizing pre-hearing rally to two packed public hearings, Massachusetts sent a powerful message: our communities are united in advancing dignity, safety, and due process for all.
The morning began with a spirited rally that brought together labor unions, faith leaders, community-based organizations, domestic and sexual-violence advocates, legal experts, business owners, and directly impacted immigrants. The rally amplified the stories of those living through the daily realities of ICE enforcement and the urgent need for statewide protections. One of the most moving voices was Milford High School student Marcelo Gomes da Silva, who described being detained by ICE earlier this year. “Immigrants alone will not be able to fight against the government, especially if they don’t have any help,” he reminded the crowd. His story captured the fear that young people face daily about their families’ safety.
The rally also highlighted the growing urgency of legal representation. Marcelo spoke about how access to counsel changed the course of his own detention, echoing the calls made throughout the day for sustained, statewide investment in the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. Advocates emphasized that legal support can mean the difference between remaining with one’s family or being deported.
Following the rally, advocates moved inside for hearings before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Joint Judiciary Committee. Across both sessions, testimonies reinforced a consistent message: Massachusetts must strengthen safeguards that prevent civil ICE entanglement and ensure legal defense for immigrants facing deportation.
Among the community leaders who testified was Patricia Sobalvarro, Executive Director of Agencia ALPHA, who shared that in just six weeks over the summer, 34 community members connected to her organization were detained, and many deported, simply because they lacked access to an attorney. “Our constituents are left with two choices: face immigration proceedings without counsel, or accept the fate of imminent deportation,” she told lawmakers. Helen DaSilva Hughes, Executive Director of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, echoed a similar sentiment, noting that “because of this lack of access, many of our clients become victims of immigration scams.”
Leaders from the legal community stressed that more than half of immigrants in Massachusetts immigration court are unrepresented, even though those with counsel are five times more likely to win relief.
Throughout the day, lawmakers heard deeply personal accounts from survivors of domestic violence, workers, business leaders, teachers, youth leaders, and organizers. Media outlets captured the energy in Gardner Auditorium, where hundreds gathered to testify on the Safe Communities Act and call for clear guardrails preventing police from assisting ICE or entering 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents.
Elected officials added their voices as well. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan underscored that “public safety depends on trust, and trust disappears when residents fear deportation.” Cambridge Police Superintendent Pauline Wells echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that when immigrants can report crimes without fear, the entire Commonwealth becomes safer.
Taken together, these voices made one thing unmistakably clear: the call for protection, dignity, and due process is both urgent and deeply shared across our communities. As Gilberto Calderin of the MIRA Coalition said during the morning press conference, “It is our shared responsibility not only for the sake of immigrant families’ humanity, but for the safety and survival of every one of us to ensure that the laws in Massachusetts protect all of us.”
Last Tuesday showed us what is possible when communities refuse to be silent. Now, the responsibility shifts to our lawmakers. Massachusetts has a choice: it can look away from the fear and suffering in our neighborhoods, or it can lead. Our coalition has made its expectations clear. We must end civil ICE collaboration, keep local police out of federal immigration enforcement, and ensure every immigrant facing deportation has a lawyer by their side. The path ahead will take persistence and courage, but together, we have already proven that our communities are ready. The Commonwealth must now rise to meet this moment.
