Blue state leader sounds alarm about 'perfect storm' of Dem immigration policies decimating public safety

Massachusetts state Senator Ryan Fattman, a Republican, is raising concerns over the negative impact of certain Democratic policies that he argues are compromising public safety and escalating living costs in the state. A significant concern is the 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, Lunn vs. Commonwealth, which restricts local and state law enforcement from cooperating with immigration enforcement, including refusing to honor ICE detainer requests. This policy has reportedly resulted in many dangerous criminal individuals being released onto the streets without notifying ICE, leading to re-arrests for serious crimes like child rape and fentanyl trafficking.

Fattman highlighted that this issue is widespread across Massachusetts, not just isolated incidents. He also criticized the Massachusetts "Right to Shelter" law, which has resulted in an extensive network of migrant shelters costing taxpayers over $3 billion since 2021. Reports of abuse within the shelter system, including serious criminal activities, have surfaced, raising alarms about public safety among residents. A substantial public records request revealed thousands of pages documenting crimes linked to individuals in the state-funded shelters.

Calling the situation a "perfect storm," Fattman pointed to an alarming accumulation of incidents and financial burdens on taxpayers. He placed significant blame on Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey and the Democratic-controlled legislature, arguing that the funding directed toward undocumented immigrants is largely being wasted, as 99% of political asylum cases in the state are ultimately rejected. He described the state spending billions on individuals unlikely to ever gain legal residency as irresponsible and called for urgent change.

In response to these issues, Fattman has introduced a bill termed the "Shield Act," aiming to reverse the Lunn decision and allow law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE in keeping criminal illegal immigrants off the streets. Although Massachusetts is predominantly a Democratic state, Fattman remains hopeful that the frustrations of residents will lead to political change and greater safety in their communities.

Fattman believes there's a growing sentiment among the people, particularly in less liberal areas of the state, that the current policies are untenable. He expressed concern that individuals are increasingly fed up with rising crime rates and seeing neighbors affected by violence. He warned that the continual support provided to migrants without sufficient screening could lead to a critical situation, stressing that public safety must be prioritized over the costly and controversial policies currently in place.