May 20, 2021

NEW BEDFORD, MA – Today, State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford) welcomed the decision made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to terminate contracts with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to house federal immigration detainees and to participate in federal immigration enforcement. This decision was made in light of investigations conducted by federal authorities and the Attorney General’s Office which revealed inhumane treatment of detainees, egregious violations of civil rights, use of excessive force, and substandard detainment conditions.

“This day has been a long time in coming,” said Rep. Cabral. “I have been fighting this fight because I believe that prison officials should not have a role in immigration enforcement. It’s bad public policy and leaves lasting damage when that misguided authority is placed in the wrong hands. These policies are ineffective, break down the relationship between the immigrant community and genuine law enforcement, and are costly to Massachusetts taxpayers who must cover some of the expense,” continued Cabral.

“Today’s decision is the product of years of effort from stakeholders and concerned residents from across the state. The Bristol County Sheriff is being held accountable today from the Department of Homeland Security, but the issue is larger than one person or one institution. I will continue fighting for legislation and budget accountability language until the cost, both financially and societally, of these programs is known and understood. Only at that point, can we create a better plan to move forward,” Cabral concluded.