Easthampton Council Resolution Seeks State Investigation of Federal Agents
Easthampton’s July 15 council resolution asks Massachusetts prosecutors to examine alleged violations by federal immigration agents and urges state policy changes.
The Easthampton City Council adopted a resolution on July 15, 2026, urging the Massachusetts attorney general and the Northwestern District Attorney to investigate and prosecute federal immigration agents when alleged conduct violates Massachusetts criminal law.
The resolution also asks local law enforcement to preserve evidence that could be relevant to such investigations. The requests concern alleged violations; the council’s action does not establish that any violation occurred or announce that an investigation or prosecution has begun.
What the resolution asks
In addition to the requests directed to prosecutors, the resolution asks state officials to end cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s 287(g) agreement.
That language is a request to state policymakers. The resolution does not itself terminate the agreement, change Department of Correction policy, or compel action by the attorney general or the Northwestern District Attorney.
What the resolution does not change
The council action is a resolution, not a new city ordinance. It does not launch an investigation, compel a prosecution, change federal immigration law, or create a new local criminal-enforcement procedure.
Easthampton already has a Welcoming Community Trust Ordinance that limits local cooperation with civil immigration enforcement. That ordinance remains the key local rule governing how city officials and local law enforcement respond to such requests.
What it means for residents
For residents, the immediate effect is mainly a clearer statement of the council’s position and a set of requests directed to prosecutors and state officials. The resolution does not replace the city’s existing ordinance or automatically change day-to-day local police policy.
Any investigation, prosecution, change in the 287(g) agreement, or broader policy response would require action by the relevant prosecutors, state agencies, or federal officials. The council’s July 15 resolution supports those steps but does not complete them.
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