Kennealy administration to prioritize public safety over politics

BOSTON, MA – Republican candidate for Governor Mike Kennealy condemns the Democratic supermajority for blocking commonsense public safety legislation that would have allowed courts to hold violent illegal immigrants for up to 12 hours in compliance with ICE detainers. The proposal, introduced by Republican legislators, aimed to strengthen cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement and ensure dangerous individuals are not released back into communities. Instead, Democrats chose to reject the measure—once again putting politics ahead of public safety and leaving Massachusetts families more vulnerable.

“I can’t find any legitimate reason why Democrats would oppose this legislation. Through Governor Healey’s inaction and the Democratic supermajority’s refusal to pass commonsense public safety measures, Massachusetts has become a magnet for illegal immigrants,” said Republican candidate for Governor of Massachusetts Mike Kennealy  “We’ve seen case after case where an illegal immigrant with an ICE detainer is arrested for a serious crime, only to be released back into the community. As Governor, collaboration between law enforcement at every level—local, county, state, and federal—will be a cornerstone of my administration.”

Kennealy emphasized his commitment to restoring common sense and accountability in public safety policy, adding “Unlike Maura Healey, I will never allow politics to dictate decisions that put the safety of Massachusetts residents at risk. That’s why I will work closely with the legislature, Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, and Sheriff Joseph McDonald to pass legislation that closes the loopholes the Lunn Decision created and officially end sanctuary state policies in Massachusetts.

Let’s be clear: if your laws protect illegal immigrants from federal enforcement, you are, by definition, a sanctuary state. That must end.”

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