Full Breakdown
Amherst Town Council Passes Resolution to Hold Federal Agents Accountable
2/25/2026, 1:13:01 AM
Resolution Overview and Context
On February 24, 2026, the Amherst Town Council in Massachusetts unanimously passed a resolution urging state and local officials to hold federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents accountable for violations of Massachusetts criminal law. The resolution, titled “Calling for Federal Immigration Agents to Be Held Accountable for Violations of Massachusetts Criminal Law,” calls on Attorney General Andrea Campbell and district attorneys to investigate unlawful actions by federal immigration agents operating within the state. The council's vote included nine members in support, with two abstentions and two absences.
Specific Incidents Cited
The resolution references several incidents that have raised concerns about ICE's conduct in Massachusetts. These include the March 2025 detention of Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was reportedly kidnapped following her criticism of U.S. government actions. Other cited cases involve an 18-year-old in Worcester County detained without a warrant and a lawful permanent resident in Essex County who was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted. The resolution highlights claims of excessive force and civil rights violations by ICE agents.
Legal Basis and Advocacy
The resolution emphasizes that federal officials are subject to state criminal jurisdiction when they commit state crimes. John Bonifaz, President of Free Speech For People, a national legal advocacy organization that helped draft the resolution, stated, “There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal ICE agents.” He argued that while federal agents can perform lawful duties, they do not have immunity for committing crimes such as murder or illegal detentions. The resolution aims to create a legal framework for prosecuting federal agents who violate state laws.
Community Support and Broader Implications
Community members and local leaders have expressed strong support for the resolution. Amherst resident Jeff Conant remarked, “When our constitutional rights, our civil liberties and our very lives come under attack by Trump’s lawless agents, we need every public official to stand with the people to fight back.” Sasha Morsmith, Co-Chair of the River Valley Democratic Socialists of America, emphasized the need for accountability at all government levels to protect immigrant rights.
Official Statements & Responses
Amherst Town Councilor Jill Brevik, the lead sponsor of the resolution, stated, “ICE’s illegal operations have impacted residents of Amherst and surrounding communities directly.” She expressed hope that the resolution would inspire similar actions in other municipalities across Massachusetts. The resolution will be formally transmitted to key state officials, including Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell.
What's Next
The resolution represents a significant step in local governance addressing federal immigration enforcement practices. It aims to initiate investigations into ICE agents' conduct and potentially influence other towns and cities in Massachusetts to adopt similar measures. The ongoing advocacy for immigrant rights and accountability from federal agents is expected to continue as community organizations mobilize support for these initiatives.
