Worcester Amends Executive Order to Restrict Use of Municipal Property by Federal Immigration Agents
By What’s Up Worcester Staff
WORCESTER — The City of Worcester announced significant updates to its policy regarding interactions with federal immigration officials on Wednesday. City Manager Eric D. Batista issued amendments to an existing executive order that now explicitly prohibit the use of municipal property for staging or preparing federal civil immigration enforcement operations.
The changes build upon an Executive Order originally issued on May 16, 2025. The updated policy reinforces the city’s position that municipal resources, including personnel and facilities, will not be used to assist with federal civil immigration enforcement.
New Restrictions on Property Use As of February 4, 2026, the amended policy outlines specific prohibitions regarding city property. Federal agents are no longer permitted to use municipal open spaces, parking lots, garages, parks, or buildings for assembling, mobilizing, or deploying vehicles and equipment related to civil immigration enforcement.
Additionally, the city stated it will not enter into any 287(g) agreements, which are partnerships that allow state or local law enforcement to perform the functions of federal immigration agents.
Police Protocols and Transparency The updated guidelines also impact the Worcester Police Department (WPD). Under the new rules, WPD officers responding to calls related to activity by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must take reasonable steps to verify that individuals on the scene are federal agents.
To increase transparency, the policy mandates that any footage captured on WPD body worn cameras depicting federal agents engaged in civil immigration enforcement must be made available to the public.
Police Chief Paul B. Saucier emphasized the department’s focus on maintaining community trust.
“We will continue to hold our officers to the highest standard and they will continue to uphold peace in our community in the utmost professional manner,” Saucier said in a statement.
City Leadership Rationale City officials described the amendments as a necessary step to protect residents and maintain public safety. City Manager Batista noted the decision was made in response to increased federal enforcement activity nationwide.
“We are building upon our policy with new amendments that further protect our residents,” Batista said. “The City of Worcester celebrates and welcomes all of its residents… and will stand united to ensure we remain a welcoming and inclusive city for all.”
Mayor Joseph M. Petty expressed support for the changes, stating that the municipal government and police department are working together to preserve peace.
Existing Guidelines Reaffirmed The amendments add to the framework established last year. The Executive Order continues to prohibit municipal employees and police officers from inquiring about the immigration status of any resident, victim, suspect, or 911 caller. It also bars the WPD from initiating stops or arrests based solely on immigration status or civil detainers.
Press Release
Executive Order Concerning Local Immigration Protocol
Executive Order Policy
Article Sponsored By Section
This article is sponsored by Embedded Counsel. Embedded Counsel is a modern legal services firm designed for growing businesses and nonprofits, providing fractional in-house legal expertise that prioritizes partnership and long term growth. Sponsorship supports local journalism at What’s Up Worcester and does not influence editorial content.
About The Author
