Following a federal immigration enforcement operation in Acton on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and the emergency protest organized by the Peacemakers Network at Town Hall on Sunday, May 11, Acton Police Chief James A. Cogan issued the following statement on Monday, May 12:
“The Acton Police Department would like to address community concerns following a federal immigration enforcement operation that occurred in town over the weekend.
“During the course of that operation, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Acton Police were asked to respond solely for the purpose of maintaining public safety and managing crowd control. At no point did Acton Police officers take part in any enforcement actions related to immigration.
“Acton Police have a duty to respond when other law enforcement agencies request our assistance. We have a duty to keep the peace here in Acton. Local police are not allowed to intervene in actions taken by any federal agency, including immigration authorities.
“On Saturday, there were no arrests made by Acton Police. Our presence was strictly to help ensure that the situation remained peaceful and that everyone’s rights — including the right to protest — were respected.
“We recognize that immigration enforcement activities have created fear and uncertainty among members of our community. We want to be clear: the Acton Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws.
“In keeping with well-established Select Board and Town policies, and in consultation with the Town’s legal counsel, we do not ask anyone we interact with about their immigration status. We do not collect, or store, information related to the immigration status of our residents and visitors, nor do we detain or arrest persons based on their immigration status. The Acton Police Department is focused solely on our job of keeping the community safe for everyone who lives here, works here, or visits here.
“We understand this is a deeply emotional and complex issue. Mutual trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community are essential, and it is vital that all individuals in our community feel safe coming to the Acton Police with information or requesting assistance. The department is not permitted to intervene in ICE enforcement operations.
“As always, we are committed to transparency, open communication and respectful engagement with all members of the Acton community.”