Full Breakdown
Massachusetts Governor Calls for Halt to ICE Deportation Flights from Hanscom Field
12/17/2025, 12:23:26 PM
Governor Healey's Demands Against Deportation Practices
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has formally requested that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cease its use of Hanscom Field airport in Bedford for deportation flights. In a letter dated December 12, 2025, addressed to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Healey described the practice as part of "disturbing and anti-American deportation tactics." She expressed concern that these flights sever detainees from their families and legal counsel without due process.
Healey's letter highlighted that a significant majority of individuals detained by ICE in Massachusetts over the past year have no criminal charges or convictions. According to the ICE Flight Monitor, a project by Human Rights First, there were 114 ICE flights from Hanscom Field through November 2025, more than double the number from the previous year. Between October and December 2025, 65 detainees were transferred from the Plymouth County ICE detention facility to Hanscom Field for deportation.
Criticism of ICE's Operations
Advocates and families of detainees have criticized ICE's operations, asserting that the transfers violate due process by relocating individuals thousands of miles away from their support systems and legal representation. Healey stated, "Flying these residents out of state and away from their support systems and legal counsel — often within hours of arrest — is intentionally cruel and purposely obstructs the due process and legal representation they are owed."
The Massachusetts Democratic Party has also called on Republican gubernatorial candidates to denounce ICE's use of Hanscom Field for deportations, emphasizing the need for a unified stance against these practices.
Official Responses and Airport Operations
In response to Healey's demands, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), which operates Hanscom Field, clarified that the agency does not have a contract with ICE and is not informed in advance about the flights. Jennifer Mehigan, Massport's spokesperson, stated, "Public use airports like Hanscom are required to accommodate all flights to the airport, including those by or on behalf of the federal government."
ICE has previously defended its actions, asserting that a portion of those apprehended during enforcement operations had significant criminal convictions or pending charges. However, Healey's letter emphasized that the majority of detainees in Massachusetts are not criminals, raising questions about the justification for their deportation.
Community Response and Future Actions
The use of Hanscom Field for ICE flights has sparked protests and calls for action from immigrant advocacy groups. On December 16, 2025, the Massachusetts Communities Action Network plans to hold a press conference and multifaith prayer vigil to advocate for immigrant justice and urge the governor to protect the rights of residents against federal immigration enforcement.
As the situation develops, Healey's administration continues to push for an end to the use of Massachusetts airports for deportation flights, reflecting broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices in the state.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Flying these residents out of state and away from their support systems and legal counsel — often within hours of arrest — is intentionally cruel and purposely obstructs the due process and legal representation they are owed,” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
- “This is not the justice we believe in or stand for in Massachusetts or as Americans.” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
- “Massport cannot discriminate who can or cannot use the airport,” — Jennifer Mehigan, Massport Spokesperson
- “Due to operational security, ICE does not confirm airport facilities used during removal operations of illegal aliens,” — DHS Spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Healey's letter emphasizes the lack of criminal charges among the majority of detainees, ICE has reported that many apprehended during operations had significant criminal backgrounds. The exact number of individuals transferred from Massachusetts via Hanscom Field remains unclear, as ICE has not disclosed specific data regarding these flights.
