Then-Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks to Democrats. (Image courtesy of Flickr.com)
Massachusetts Republican Governor Charlie Baker is reversing a policy put in place by his Democratic predecessor Deval Patrick, which barred police from detaining individuals wanted by federal immigration officials.
The move is aimed at capturing those in the country illegally with an intent and penchant to commit crime, according to a report in the Boston Herald.
Patrick enacted the original policy in 2014.
Under the Baker administration revisions, will go into effect immediately, state police officers are still prohibited from inquiring as to a subject’s immigration status unless tied to a criminal probe. However, police are now permitted to honor requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to put temporary holds on individuals arrested who are living in the country illegally.
“I think this strikes the right balance,” Baker said in an interview with the Herald.
Then-Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks to Democrats. (Image courtesy of Flickr.com) 
