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6mo ago

Boston Launches $4.5 Million Public-Private Push for Immigrant Services

City leaders say the package answers recent federal enforcement actions by reinforcing local limits on ICE use of Boston property.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was joined by municipal leaders and partner organizations to announce efforts to service immigrant communities.
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Overview

  • The initiative combines more than $3.1 million from The Boston Foundation, the Barr Foundation and United Way with over $1.3 million in city grants through the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement.
  • Funding will support legal services, naturalization assistance, English and second-language classes, mental-health care, know-your-rights outreach, emergency preparedness, and delivery of basics like groceries and diapers.
  • United Way is activating its United Response Fund for rapid assistance, and The Boston Foundation is launching Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to direct grants.
  • The rollout follows Mayor Michelle Wu’s order barring ICE civil operations on city property and aligns with the Boston Trust Act, a 2017 state high court ruling, and Gov. Maura Healey’s January order limiting cooperation with ICE.
  • Speakers pointed to 2025 ICE surge operations in Massachusetts and the reported death of a Haitian man in custody to underscore urgency and encouraged additional civic contributions.