With President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, states were thrown into disarray with new immigration policies. Among executive orders that are aimed at removing protections such as birthright citizenship for immigrants, the Trump administration has begun efforts toward mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Boston was one of the rumored target cities, alongside Chicago and New York, and leaving residents in fear.
Then-acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Benjamine Huffman put forward two directives that remove restrictions placed on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) inside “sensitive areas,” such as schools, churches, and hospitals, and look at immigration into the U.S. on a case by case basis. Current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has upheld these measures.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” the DHS said in a statement the day following the inauguration.
Following ICE raids the week of the inauguration, the Boston area has not reported mass raids. Rumored sightings continue to spread across social media. Workplaces and schools are sending out information to staff to alert them of what to do if they are in the presence of ICE.
The Office of the President sent out an email February 7 to students, faculty, and staff, informing them of upcoming plans in response to the administration’s executive orders. This includes launching an information web page with resources relating to the executive orders and Simmons policies, and a series of webinars provided by University leadership delving into key issues “including immigration enforcement, DEI, and gender-related topics.” The University has also launched a task force made up of leaders from across Simmons who “are charged with reviewing, analyzing, and providing guidance around executive orders and their potential impact on Simmons,” according to a statement to the Voice by President Lynn Perry Wooten.
“Our top priority is providing a safe and welcoming living, learning, and working environment for our community,” continued the statement.“We understand individuals may have questions about policies being released by the new administration…as part of this work, a Simmons webpage will also be available shortly and will provide information and resources relating to the executive orders, Simmons policies, and other helpful information.”
Since the raids have begun, ICE has begun periodically tracking daily arrest counts on their X account. Their first post, only 3 days post inauguration, showed 538 arrests. Their last post on January 31 showed 864 daily arrests, noting 1016 arrests merely days before on January 29.
ICE continues to post various arrests that are “pending removal,” and include specific details such as their name, city they are held in, and the crimes they are accused of. ICE notes these as “The Worst First.”
“Simmons continues to follow its existing and long-established policies and procedures regarding agency requests and investigations. As part of these policies and procedures, it is our practice to verify there is a legitimate, lawful request whenever an outside agency visits our campus or seeks information,” said President Wooten’s statement. “If Simmons receives a request by a government agency or official that is outside Simmons’ regular course of business, including relating to immigration enforcement, Simmons will only release the requested information if required to do so by law or court order.”
Further regarding immigration policies, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is being called to a congressional committee this month as part of an “investigation into so-called ‘sanctuary cities.’”
In a statement to students via social media, Simmons University Organización Latinoamericana (OLA) emphasized their mission of providing support and advocacy, fostering a sense of community for Latinx Simmons students.
“OLA stands in full solidarity with immigrants. We stand with those who are directly affected, with those who are worried about their loved ones, and with everyone who feels the weight of these actions,” read the statement. “No one should have to live in fear of being taken from their home, their community, or their future. To our immigrant peers: You belong here. You are valued, you are loved, and you are not alone. OLA will always be a safe and supportive space. Whether you need resources or just a place to be, we are here for you.”
Students can email preparedness@simmons.edu with any questions for Simmons leadership.
UPDATE: February 16, 2025
An update was made to include the link to the mentioned Simmons webpage that went live post publication.
