Middlesex DA Ryan, Immigration Attorney Address ICE Concerns at Watertown Meeting

WATERTOWN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan urged residents not to “normalize” aggressive federal immigration enforcement during a discussion at the Watertown Human Rights Commission on Tuesday, Feb. 17, as local officials addressed concerns about ICE activity and civil rights protections.

Ryan referenced her office’s 2018 lawsuit that temporarily halted courthouse arrests in Middlesex County, calling that experience instructive as federal tactics evolve.

“It is not normal,” Ryan said, referring to reports of residents carrying passports out of fear of detention. “It is not who we are.”

Immigration attorney Karen Bobadilla told commissioners that fear is spreading beyond undocumented communities, with some residents avoiding courts and hospitals. She reminded attendees that federal agents cannot enter a home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

Watertown Police Capt. Dan Unsworth reiterated that local officers do not enforce federal immigration law and cannot honor civil immigration detainers under Massachusetts law. He said if federal agents operate in town, Watertown police may observe and document activity but cannot legally interfere.

Unsworth also announced a new civil rights reporting email address on the department’s website for residents with concerns.

The discussion followed a recent rally in Watertown Square calling for ICE to stay out of the community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlNdiBbXmcc