30-05-2025
Amherst community face ICE arrests despite sanctuary status
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Two individuals were taken into custody by ICE this week in two separate incidents.
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On Wednesday, two individuals were taken into custody by federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in separate incidents between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The Town of Amherst states that this is not the first time ICE has taken community members into custody.
The town or police department did not participate in either of these incidents and has not participated in any federal immigration enforcement actions that have previously occurred. The incidents were operated independently by ICE with no prior notification.
The town states that they are a sanctuary community and shall not cooperate with ICE. Section 3.9 of the Town of Amherst General Bylaws states, 'To the extent permissible by law, a Town department, or officer or employee of a Town department shall not perform the functions of an immigration officer, whether pursuant to 8 U.S.C. §1357(g) or any other law, regulation, or policy, whether formal or informal.'
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