Abstract
The Leah Zallman Center for Immigrant Health Research (LZC) is proud to release Iced In: The Actions and Impacts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts in 2025. This report records, validates, and publicizes the experiences of families and institutions in Massachusetts during this turbulent time of increased ICE enforcement.
Through analyzing 100 stories, we found that ICE’s actions in Massachusetts in 2025 ran counter to the public narrative that they were detaining criminals and keeping communities safe. We found patterns of unnecessary violence and suppression of basic rights. We also found that fear, uncertainty, and instability have taken hold in Massachusetts in broader ways, destabilizing entire institutions and communities. The impacts of these actions are far-reaching and have many implications for the future climate of safety and trust in our state.
ICE has effectively altered the climate of our state–we are “iced in.” Massachusetts has a choice–we can remain frozen, or we can shift our climate, saying “ICE OUT.” Strong, coordinated efforts and actions to protect immigrants now will shift the underlying ecosystem and build stronger, healthier communities into the future.
