BOSTON, MA – Today, Marine Corps Veteran, successful business leader, and proven government reformer Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor, condemned Governor Maura Healey for turning Massachusetts into a sanctuary state, prioritizing politics over public safety and the rule of law. Shortsleeve pledged to reverse these policies when elected governor
“Once again, Healey is refusing to take responsibility for the policies she has put in place. She can deny it as much as she wants, but every taxpayer knows she turned Massachusetts into a sanctuary state. As the next governor, I will reverse her reckless policies,” said Shortsleeve.
Governor Healey has presided over and expanded a series of policies that have effectively turned Massachusetts into a de facto sanctuary state, including:
How Massachusetts Became a Sanctuary State Under Maura Healey:
- Statewide Non-Cooperation with ICE – Healey supported the Lunn decision and has refused to support legislation requiring state and local law enforcement to honor ICE detainers.
- Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants – The 2023 law pushed by Democrats allows individuals without lawful presence to obtain driver’s licenses. Healey hired additional staff for the RMV to expedite these licenses.
- Sanctuary Cities Expansion – Healey has not only supported existing sanctuary cities like Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge, but has refused to preempt local governments from adopting similar policies statewide. To quote Healey: “I support sanctuary cities.”
- Emergency Shelter Hotels – Healey has refused to amend the right-to-shelter law which rolled out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants across the country. It has led to taxpayers paying for over $3 billion to house them.
- Public Benefits Access – Reports show that the administration has expanded access to state-funded housing, health care, and education for illegal immigrants.
- No State-Level Enforcement Support – Healey has vocally opposed any collaboration between state police and federal immigration authorities.
- Legal Assistance Funding – The state budget now includes taxpayer funding for legal defense for non-citizens facing deportation.
“Taxpayers are footing the bill, communities are overwhelmed, and law enforcement is being handcuffed. As governor, I will end these sanctuary policies on day one,” added Shortsleeve.
Shortsleeve called for a return to common-sense immigration enforcement, including:
- Mandatory cooperation with ICE;
- Repealing the driver’s license law;
- Auditing state benefits programs;
- Supporting law enforcement rather than undermining it.
“We can be a compassionate state without being a lawless one,” said Shortsleeve. “Massachusetts needs a governor who will stand up for legal immigration, secure communities, and the rule of law. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”