Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh Vows to Defend City's Immigrant Population

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Shortly after the White House released an executive order on Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements, Boston Mayor MartyWalsh convened a press conference at City Hall to reinforce his support for the immigrant community.  He was surrounded by dozens of immigrant leaders from various communities in greater Boston.

“Today's Executive Orders regarding immigrants are a direct attack on Boston's people, Boston's strength & our values,” Walsh said. “We will not stand for it.

“We are a city and nation built on immigrants and we depend on newcomers to maintain the vitality of our country.  We will not be intimidated by a threat to federal funding.  we will not retreat one inch,” Walsh continued.”

In June, 2014, the Boston City Council passed the Trust Act, which guarantees undocumented immigrants that the Boston Police Department would not report them to federal authorities. 

Earlier in the day, Mayor Walsh issued this statement:

I am deeply disturbed by today’s news.  We will not back down from our values that make us who we are as a city.  We will fight for our residents, whether immigrant or not, and provide the best quality of life for all Bostonians.  I will use all of my power within lawful means to protect all Boston residents – even if that means using city hall itself as a last resort.”

Read story about Mayor Walsh's Irish immigrant roots.

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