Worcester City Council Rejects Police-ICE Partnership Resolution

The Worcester City Council voted 8-2 to pass a resolution opposing any partnership or formal agreement, specifically a 287(g) agreement, between the Worcester Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This resolution makes clear that Worcester police will not participate in immigration enforcement activities or assist ICE, reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting its immigrant community, which constitutes nearly a quarter of its population. The council's action followed public concerns and accusations of police cooperation with ICE after a May ICE operation, including the arrest of a city councilor protesting the detainment of a woman by ICE agents. City Manager Eric Batista confirmed that Worcester police have refused ICE requests for assistance, such as towing vehicles during immigration operations, and stated that the city will not consider entering a 287(g) agreement. Supporters of the resolution, including Mayor Joseph Petty and Councilor Khrystian King, emphasized the importance of standing with immigrants and sending a clear message that Worcester values inclusion and justice. Dissenting councilors expressed opposition, but the resolution was largely symbolic due to state laws restricting local law enforcement from acting solely on immigration status.