Holyoke is a city built on immigrants. Nearly 60% of our neighbors are immigrants or the children of immigrants, making our community one of the most diverse and welcoming in Massachusetts. But right now, that legacy is under threat.

A proposal before the Holyoke City Council would open the door to cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If passed, it would undermine years of work to build trust between immigrant families and city leaders. It would make people afraid to call for help, afraid to report crimes, and afraid to show up for their children at school events. It would divide our city when what we need most is unity.

The truth is simple: ICE does not make Holyoke safer. It tears families apart. It sows fear in neighborhoods. And it silences victims and witnesses who should feel safe coming forward. Community safety depends on trust, not on collaboration with a federal agency known for raids, detention, and deportation.

We call on Holyoke City Council President Todd A. McGee, Vice President Libby Hernandez, and the entire City Council to immediately reject any proposal that would align our city with ICE. We further call on Mayor Joshua Garcia to stand publicly with immigrant families and commit to vetoing any measure that threatens Holyoke’s sanctuary protections.

Holyoke should be a city where every resident, regardless of immigration status, feels safe to walk the streets, call the police, and live without fear of being torn from their family. Choosing to cooperate with ICE is a betrayal of our values and our people.

Add your name if you agree that Holyoke must reject ICE cooperation and defend immigrant families who are the heart of this community.

[Photo credit: Douglas Hook / The Republican]