Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Orders Release Of ICE Surveillance, Promises Transparency And Legal Action

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday signed an executive order directing city departments to publicly release surveillance and body‑worn camera footage connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Wu said the step is intended to hold federal agents accountable for alleged unconstitutional actions, violence or property damage tied to enforcement activities.

People hold signs during an anti-ICE protest at the Massachusetts State House.

The order directs Boston first responders to prioritize de‑escalation and public safety during federal immigration operations and requires city officials to investigate alleged crimes involving federal agents and refer cases to prosecutors when appropriate. The directive specifies that any footage released will be provided "in accordance with state law."

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has ordered the public release of surveillance and body camera footage linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in an attempt to hold federal agents accountable for acts of violence.

“While the federal government hides behind masks, we will be transparent,” Wu said at a joint news conference with other Massachusetts officials. She warned that if Boston experiences unlawful federal actions similar to those reported elsewhere, the city will pursue legal remedies.

Wu's order also restricts federal use of city property for enforcement operations, barring ICE from using municipal buildings, parking lots and parks. The mayor instructed city departments to use available resources to protect residents and to pursue every legal avenue to challenge what she described as coercive federal tactics.

Separately, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey introduced legislation to limit ICE activity at sensitive locations — including courthouses, schools, child‑care programs, hospitals and houses of worship — and to prevent out‑of‑state National Guard deployments to Massachusetts without the governor's approval. The proposal would also allow parents to arrange advance guardianship for children in the event of detention or deportation.

Wu's action places Boston among a growing number of Democratic cities publicly challenging the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices, intensifying a national debate over transparency, enforcement methods and the boundaries of federal authority.