Massachusetts officials have launched an online portal to field reports of “alleged misconduct” by federal immigration agents. They say the effort will help the state identify patterns of potential abuse and could inform legal or policy actions.
The portal, which went live on Friday, allows members of the public to upload photos and video, as well as to report details of incidents involving federal immigration agents.
“This new reporting portal will help us gather information, support residents and ensure federal agents operating in our state are following the law,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement.
The online form requires the name and email address of the person submitting a report. Portal users are prompted to check a box consenting to the use of the information submitted for legal proceedings or in public reports by the governor and attorney general.
In a statement, Attorney General Andrea Campbell denounced Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s “aggressive and reckless tactics that spread fear and chaos in our communities,” and encouraged “everyone to use this new reporting portal if they see concerning ICE activity in their communities.”
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. (Erin Hooley/ AP file)
The launch comes as Healey is seeking ways to demand accountability from ICE.
Last month, she issued an executive order limiting activity on state property, and filed a bill now before the Legislature that would restrict federal agents from places like courthouses, schools and hospitals.
And then in a letter to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security dated March 6, Healey demanded data on every person detained in Massachusetts since January 2025, including their identities, the legal basis for each arrest, detention location and upcoming hearing dates.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley shot back a statement criticizing the Healey administration: “Isn’t it rich that the very governor who refuses to share information with federal law enforcement is now demanding information on ICE arrests?”
Healey asked ICE to provide that information by March 13. A Healey spokesperson on Friday said the state has yet to receive a response.
Asked to comment on the new portal, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Lauren Bis in an email said ICE is “held to the highest professional standard and officers regularly receive ongoing training.” She added that, “Politicians are laying blame at the feet of law enforcement instead of looking in the mirror at how they have fueled the hatred and violent attacks we are seeing against federal law enforcement officers.”
ICE routinely accuses law enforcement in Massachusetts towns and cities of failing to assist in immigration arrests. Healey, as well as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, counter that local law enforcement does cooperate in criminal matters. WBUR has reported that local police often do help ICE.
The state Department of Correction maintains a so-called 287(g) agreement to cooperate with ICE. Records obtained by WBUR indicate the state has released 581 people to immigration authorities from 2020 through January 2026.
The new portal to report alleged misconduct by federal agents is backed by three district attorneys in the state, including the Northwestern (which covers Hampshire and Franklin counties) and Berkshire district attorneys. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement that many ICE tactics are hindering his office’s efforts to hold offenders accountable and secure justice for victims.
“I encourage our federal partners to work with, not against, state and local law enforcement and to carry out their duties in a lawful, transparent and non-violent manner,” Hayden said in a statement Friday.
Jillian Phillips, an advocate for immigrants with the LUCE network based in Worcester, said she takes issue with the new portal’s requirement to put personal details into the form. Phillips said she needs to know more about what will be done with the data gathered by the state.
“If I report to the state and give name and email and the feds get it and come after me,” she said, “that’s a problem.”
