Cambridge Executive Order & Prohibited Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities

In January 2026, City Manager Yi-An Huang signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of City property for civil immigration enforcement activities and affirming the City’s Welcoming Community Ordinance.

This order is meant to keep people safe, protect community rights, and clarify how federal immigration enforcement can and cannot interact with City spaces.

Review the Full Executive Order

What You Need to Know

 

City property cannot be used to stage civil immigration enforcement

Federal immigration officers cannot use City property to carry out their operations.

 

They cannot enter the private areas of City property without permission

Officers cannot enter areas of City buildings that are not open to the public unless they have a valid warrant or court order.

 

Cambridge Police do not enforce federal civil immigration laws

Cambridge Police will not take part in federal civil immigration enforcement. Their role is to keep everyone safe and protect the right to free speech and peaceful protest. There are times Cambridge Police partner with federal law enforcement agencies to enforce criminal laws.

 

If you see possible ICE activity, call 911

If you believe you are seeing immigration enforcement activity, call 911 so Cambridge Police can respond, verify what is happening, and keep everyone safe.

 

Accountability and transparency

If federal officers use force or damage property, video footage from body cameras may be released unless it is part of an active investigation.

 

All crimes will be investigated

Cambridge Police will investigate any violence, property damage, or possible crimes, including those involving federal officers. They will work with state officials like the District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office when needed.

 

Questions?

Contact the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (“CIRC”) by calling 617-349-4396 or e-mail circ@cambridgema.gov.