Somerville, MA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)

Sec. 2-6 of the Somerville Municipal Code, readopted as Ord. No. 2026-04 effective May 28, 2026, declares the city a welcoming community and restricts its voluntary role in federal immigration enforcement. Somerville police and city employees may not inquire about the immigration status of a victim, suspect, arrestee, 911 caller, or member of the public except when required to provide a public benefit. The Somerville Police Department cannot initiate a stop, apprehension, or arrest based solely on actual or perceived immigration status, and cannot take part in federal immigration enforcement operations or ICE-led raids.

Officers may not arrest or detain anyone solely on the basis of an ICE detainer or ICE administrative warrant, including by extending a detention once the person would otherwise be released or before being transferred to court or admitted to bail. If the department does receive a detainer or administrative warrant for someone in custody, it must give that person a copy of the request and any related documentation. ICE agents cannot access people in custody in person, by phone, or by videoconference absent a judicial warrant.

City employees may not share an individual's incarceration status, release timing, home or work address, or other personal details with federal officers beyond what public-records law already requires. Drivers stopped only for lacking a valid license are to be issued a summons rather than arrested when possible, with a chance to arrange a licensed driver before the vehicle is impounded. Somerville Public Schools employees cannot require immigration or citizenship status information to establish residency for enrollment. The ordinance also directs the Chief of Police to file a public report every six months to the mayor and city clerk tallying ICE holds, detainers, notification requests, individuals detained or transferred to ICE custody, and any federal reimbursements received.