Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has recently expressed hope that the Trump administration will address the ongoing border crisis, despite previously opposing immigration enforcement measures. Healey discussed the challenges Massachusetts has faced due to an increase in migrant numbers, attributing this rise to Congress not fixing the border issue. She mentioned that under the Trump administration, a bill meant to address immigration was blocked, and now that the Republicans control both the House and Senate, she hopes they will take action to resolve the crisis.
Healey’s comments came in response to an incident involving a migrant, Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, who was found with drugs worth at least $750,000 and an AR-15 rifle at a hotel being used as a temporary shelter for migrants. Sanchez, a 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is facing drug trafficking and firearm charges. Healey said she was shocked by the situation and ordered an inspection of all shelter units, starting with the one in Revere, Massachusetts, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the past, Healey had been outspoken about her resistance to President Trump’s immigration policies. After Trump’s election, she declared that Massachusetts state police would not cooperate with the anticipated mass deportations, and she vowed to use all available resources to protect residents and uphold the rule of law. Her office has not yet responded to recent inquiries regarding her current stance.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, who is set to become Trump’s “border czar,” warned state and local officials about obstructing the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts. Homan made it clear that the Trump administration would prioritize national security and public safety, and if local officials refused to cooperate, they would be told to step aside so the federal government could act.
Massachusetts, along with other states, has been heavily impacted by the influx of migrants from the southern border. Healey has previously stated that Massachusetts is a welcoming place for those in need, and that migrants are often drawn to the state because of its supportive policies.
