Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Republican Party (MassGOP) today condemned the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its failure to address the widespread violence and chaos in taxpayer-funded migrant shelters. Recently obtained information through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request reveals that incidents of physical and sexual assault in emergency housing have been rampant since 2022, yet Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have remained silent until a high-profile incident forced their hand

One incident in the report closely resembled the recent arrest of an illegal immigrant found in possession of an AR-15 and nearly five kilograms of fentanyl. When this information became public, Governor Healey expressed shock and outrage in her response. However, her reaction rings hollow, as a similar incident occurred in February 2024 but was never disclosed to the public. In that case, a migrant was arrested with 900 pills, 30 grams of cocaine, and ammunition in an apartment within a migrant shelter. These incidents have been occurring for years, but the Healey-Driscoll administration has successfully kept them hidden—until now.

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale blasted the administration’s call for inspections as nothing more than a political show, emphasizing that the administration has long been aware of the dire conditions within these shelters.

“I can’t stress enough that what’s happening in these migrant shelters is worse than anyone could ever imagine, and it’s been going on unabated for years,” said Carnevale. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration has overseen a state-funded humanitarian crisis, funded entirely by taxpayers, and now they want even more money to sustain this broken system. Inspections might uncover more horrors, but they don’t solve the root problem: Massachusetts’ overly generous Right-to-Shelter law, which has become a magnet for migrants and illegal immigrants worldwide.”

Chair Carnevale pointed out the dire need for reform, proposing at least a six-month residency requirement for access to the Right-to-Shelter program. “This program was designed to help Massachusetts families who have fallen on hard times—not to provide housing for individuals traveling from across the globe to take advantage of our system. If we don’t act now, this humanitarian disaster will worsen, crime will rise, and our state will run out of funding for critical services for our seniors, veterans, local aid and other important programs.”

The FOIA documents expose a grim reality that has been hidden from the public: crime, systemic violence, including sexual assaults, within state-funded shelters. Despite knowing the severity of the situation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration failed to act, only stepping forward now that the issue has become impossible to ignore.

“Massachusetts taxpayers are footing the bill for a crisis fueled by failed leadership and reckless policies,” added Carnevale. “It’s time to take meaningful action—not political stunts. The administration must prioritize the safety of Massachusetts families and restore accountability to our citizens before it’s too late.”

The MassGOP vows to continue exposing the failures of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and fighting for reforms that prioritize the well-being of Massachusetts residents.