Natick, MA - The Massachusetts Republican Party stands with the residents of Natick in opposing the Select Board’s proposed sanctuary policies, which would prohibit town employees, including law enforcement, from collecting information about citizenship or immigration status unless required by federal or state law. The proposal also bars town employees from detaining individuals based on their immigration status or violations of immigration law.

This policy sends a dangerous signal to illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, creating a safe haven for those seeking to evade law enforcement. Similar policies in other parts of Massachusetts have resulted in devastating consequences, including crimes committed by individuals who exploited sanctuary protections.

Leanne Harris, Massachusetts Republican Party State Committeewoman for the Middlesex and Norfolk District, called the policy reckless, stating:

“This proposal puts Natick on a troubling path that prioritizes political posturing over the safety of residents. By preventing law enforcement from fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities, the town risks becoming a magnet for criminal activity. We’ve already seen tragic examples across the state where sanctuary policies have failed to protect communities. Natick deserves better.”

Massachusetts Republican Party State Committeeman for the Middlesex and Norfolk District, Nicky Miceli, emphasized the broader impact this decision could have:

“The Select Board’s decision risks overwhelming local resources. We’ve seen the consequences in other communities that have faced overcrowded schools, housing shortages, and increasing crime rates after implementing similar policies. Even Democratic strongholds like New York City are struggling with the migrant crisis and reevaluating their stance on sanctuary policies. Natick is simply not equipped for this.”

The MassGOP warns that this decision could put Natick in the state and national spotlight for all the wrong reasons, drawing parallels to other communities where sanctuary policies have backfired. From the backlash in Norfolk to the challenges faced by major cities like New York, the evidence is clear: sanctuary policies strain resources, divide communities, and create more problems than they solve.

The Massachusetts Republican Party urges the Natick Select Board to reject this proposal and prioritize the safety, resources, and voices of its residents.