Thursday, 4:30 PM
Patrick to rescind pact on undocumented immigrants
By Andrea Estes, GLOBE STAFF
Governor elect Deval Patrick said Thursday that soon after taking office he will rescind an agreement between Governor Mitt Romney and federal authorities that allows state troopers to arrest undocumented immigrants.
Speaking with reporters after a luncheon reception with state legislators, the incoming governor said for the first time that he believes he has the authority to overturn his predecessor’s agreement. He said he believes state troopers have enough to do already without being required to enforce federal immigration laws.
"If I have that power, I’m going to rescind that agreement," Patrick, a Democrat, told reporters. He added: "I do believe I have that power."
The 15-page agreement with US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement states it will remain in effect "until terminated by either party." Though Patrick did not sign the document, his office said it appears that state officials can rescind the deal.
On December 13, Romney signed the controversial agreement that would allow specially deputized state troopers to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants and charge them with violating US immigration laws. Unless Patrick intervenes, about 30 troopers are set for a five-week training course early next year to begin implementing the new policy, Romney’s office said.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement "has given us every indication they are firmly behind the program ...," said Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom. "I can only speak for Governor Romney, and in his view, we need to do what we can to enforce the nation’s laws on immigration. This doesn’t add or detract from the day-to-day responsibilities of the state police. It simply gives them an additional tool to use in their investigations into criminal activity."
