By: State Rep. Estella Reyes
4-26
March was a significant month in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, highlighted by the passage of the PROTECT Act, a major piece of legislation developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
The PROTECT Act creates clear, statewide guidelines for how state and local agencies handle interactions with federal immigration enforcement. It reinforces due process, improves transparency, and provides direction to law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems. It also limits the use of local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement and places restrictions on civil arrests in courthouses.
It allows ICE to arrest criminals while they are in custody of the state when they finish a prison sentences so that ICE is not combing through neighborhoods and putting people’s lives at risk.
For communities like Lawrence and Methuen, this legislation is especially relevant. Many residents regularly interact with schools, courts, and local agencies, and having consistent, clearly defined policies helps ensure those interactions are handled fairly and appropriately.
Maintaining trust between residents and public institutions is critical, and this bill works to support that while upholding public safety and the rule of law.
The passage of the PROTECT Act reflects months of thoughtful collaboration between legislators and community partners. It represents an important step forward in addressing ongoing concerns around immigration enforcement while ensuring Massachusetts continues to operate with clarity, consistency, and a strong commitment to constitutional protections.
Alongside this legislative work, March also included several meaningful moments across the district and at the State House.
Students from Lawrence Family Development Charter School and Lawrence High School visited the State House this month, gaining firsthand exposure to the legislative process and learning about opportunities like Early College.
Experiences like these help students see what is possible beyond the classroom. Exposure to government, higher education, and real-world pathways builds confidence and opens doors.
Programs like Early College are especially valuable, giving students a head start and helping them build a strong foundation for their future. Continued investment in education like this supports our students and strengthens our community as a whole.
I was proud to join Senator Pavel Payano and members of the Methuen delegation in presenting $100,000 in state funding to Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc., supporting entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization efforts that create long-term opportunity.
This month also included several additional community events, including the Methuen Tricentennial celebration, the Lawrence Prospera legislative breakfast at the SISU Center, and the unveiling of a new mural as part of the Dare to Dream initiative. Each of these moments reflects the continued investment, pride, and momentum across our communities.
Serving the residents of Lawrence and Methuen remains my top priority. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at Estela.Reyes@mahouse.gov. We are always here to help. ◊