Massachusetts Senate Launches ‘The Gavel Drop’ Newsletter on Substack

 Massachusetts Senate Launches ‘The Gavel Drop’ Newsletter on Substack 

  

(BOSTON—01/16/2026) The Massachusetts State Senate is adding an additional channel to deliver news and insights directly to members of the public by joining Substack, a popular digital publishing platform, and launching a Senate-focused newsletter, The Gavel Drop. 

 

Run by Senate President Karen Spilka’s communications team, The Gavel Drop and the Senate’s Substack account will act as a digital newsroom that will feature guest columns from state Senators, regular updates on major initiatives and votes, and behind-the-scenes context on complex policy areas. All Substack content will be offered for free, with no paywalls and no paid subscription required. 

 

The first policy explainer on The Gavel Drop is focused on the five property tax relief bills debated in the Senate yesterday. You can access it here. 

 

The Senate’s Substack presence is the latest in the body’s efforts to expand its digital offerings. The Gavel Drop will join the Senate’s multiple social media channels, the Senate Press Room, the digital Session Report and a digital screen positioned outside the Senate chamber that informs members of the public what is taking place on the days the Senate is in session. 

Senate Passes Housing Affordability Package Focused on Property Tax Relief

  Senate Passes Housing Affordability Package Focused on Property Tax Relief 

Local option bills empower cities and towns to offer new and enhanced tax relief 

 

(BOSTON—01/15/2026) The Senate took action today to make housing more affordable in Massachusetts, approving new tools that give cities and towns the ability to lower the cost of property taxes and put money directly back in residents’ pockets.  

 

Senators approved five separate measures to provide meaningful relief to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents and blunt the skyrocketing costs of housing in every part of the state. 

 

If signed into law, the measures together would prevent residents from being blindsided by sharp tax bill spikes, make it easier for seniors to access tax deferral programs, allow cities and towns to implement tax rebates, and create a new program for qualifying seniors to lower their tax bills. 

 

“Today the Senate advanced a comprehensive, statewide slate of tax relief measures to confront one of the greatest drivers of housing costs in our Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “For too many families, sudden tax spikes create uncertainty about whether you can remain in your community or continue raising your family in a home you worked so hard to attain. These proposals will help seniors age in place and give new homeowners the stability to put down roots, regardless of zip code. I thank Chair Rodrigues for his stewardship, and I am grateful to Senators Brownsberger, Collins, Jehlen, Cyr, and Lewis for advancing legislation that delivers real cost relief for families across Massachusetts.” 

 

“The Senate has been laser-focused on affordability, and especially housing affordability for individuals and families in Massachusetts. These property tax relief bills will go a long way towards making home ownership viable for Boston and the Commonwealth at large,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These four bills give municipalities tools to directly impact and benefit homeowners with municipal tax rebates, expansion of the successful ‘Senior Circuit Breaker’ initiative, providing tax exemption for income and age qualified homeowners, and explicitly identifying high need neighborhood properties. These bills are clear proof that we will continue to prioritize housing affordability for all residents of our state.” 

 

“As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue, we’ve heard testimony at multiple hearings on the need for property tax relief. Senior citizens, young families and working-class homeowners of all ages are struggling to pay their property taxes,” said Senator James B. Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue. “The bills that the Senate passed today will give cities and towns important local options to reduce many residents’ property taxes. I'm grateful to the Senate President, the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and the bill sponsors for their leadership on this pressing affordability issue.” 

 

Protecting Residents from Property Tax Shocks 

S.2899, An Act to prevent property tax bill shocks, gives cities and towns the ability to shield their most vulnerable taxpayers from the shock of an extraordinarily high tax bill in a year when the community’s residential property tax levy is rising by more than 10 per cent. Senators passed the bill on a 37-1 roll call. 

 

If they choose to, municipalities could offer a tax credit to gradually phase in the increase for vulnerable households, mitigating the shock felt by taxpayers when they receive third- and fourth-quarter tax bills, which fold in the entire tax increase. Qualifying groups of taxpayers include people aged 65 and older who own and occupy the home, people enrolled in MassHealth, and people living with children under age 6. Senators amended the bill during the course of debate (Amendment 1) to give cities and towns the further option of expanding eligibility to cover people living with children under the age of 18. 

 

“Every year across the state, there are a few communities in which homeowners face unusually large tax increases,” said Senator Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont), lead sponsor of S.2899. “This legislation will give those communities tools to help their most vulnerable taxpayers.” 

 

A New Tax Relief Tool for Residents 

Lower- and middle-income taxpayers who already receive a local residential tax exemption would be able to receive enhanced relief in the form of a rebate if cities and towns take advantage of a local option contained in S.2900, An Act relative to municipal tax relief. The bill passed on a 37-1 roll call vote. 

 

If a city or town takes advantage of this tool, the local government would be able to determine their residents’ eligibility and set their own thresholds around assets, income, or other factors. Building on this bill, Senators adopted an amendment (Amendment 9) that boosts the existing senior property tax exemption by giving municipalities the option of further expanding eligibility and raising the limit of possible exemption from $1,000 to $1,500. 

 

“It is critical that we begin this new year by prioritizing municipal property tax relief,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), primary sponsor of S.2900. “By advancing these responsible tax relief proposals, we can help ease the burden of rising property tax bills on homeowners without harming small businesses or putting our economy at risk.” 

 

Helping Seniors Age in Place 

An Act relative to senior property tax deferral, S.2901, would expand eligibility for the Senior Tax Deferral program by lowering eligibility to seven years of state residency, instead of the current ten-year requirement, to keep more money in seniors’ pockets at a time when property values and tax bills are steadily climbing. Senators approved the legislation 37-0. 

 

The bill also gives a respectful amount of time to grieving families of people who have taken advantage of the Senior Tax Deferral, allowing heirs more time to plan for and pay the deferred taxes by delaying an increase in the interest rate for deferred taxes until a year after the taxpayer’s death, and delaying the date on which a foreclosure petition may be filed until 18 months after their death. A successful amendment adopted today (Amendment 1) prioritizes current military servicemembers by ensuring that these interest rate and lien changes are mirrored in an existing property tax deferral for active members of the military. 

 

“Property tax deferral is an important program that can help older adults stay in their homes,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville), primary sponsor of S.2901. “It allows older adult homeowners to defer all or part of their property tax bill, which is paid back to the municipality with interest when the property is sold.  It can be a better alternative to reverse mortgages, especially if the municipality sets the interest rate lower than the 8 per cent cap.  It is under-utilized, and this legislation will remove one barrier by extending the time a municipality can reduce the interest rate, and the time before foreclosure is allowed.  Many cities and towns can do more to inform older homeowners of this option, and this is a chance to do that.” 

 

Means-Tested Senior Property Tax Exemption 

S.2902, An Act authorizing the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption, would make it easier for municipalities to offer local property tax exemptions to seniors. It builds on the success of the recently-increased Senior Circuit Breaker. Departing from a piecemeal system of towns and cities petitioning to offer their own senior tax exemption, the bill creates a statewide opt-in program that prioritizes longtime residents and gives controls to local authorities. The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 roll call. 

 

“Rising property taxes have created serious financial burdens for many elderly residents across Massachusetts. I filed legislation to provide an option for municipalities to opt in to establishing a senior citizen property tax exemption to allow them to ease the burden for struggling income-eligible seniors and allow many aging residents the ability to continue to live in their communities and not be driven out due to increasing tax burdens,” said Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester), lead sponsor of S.2902. “I appreciate the hard work of Senator Eldridge, Senator Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka to champion these local affordability bills to give communities more options to support seniors and lower- and middle-income residents.” 

 

Giving Back to Armed Forces Veterans 

S.1948, An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off, bolsters the targeted tax relief offered to veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans. Continuing their career of service or honoring their spouse’s sacrifice, they would be able to reduce their property taxes by up to $2,000 per year in exchange for providing volunteer services to their municipality, an increase from the current $1,500 cap, under a provision that local governments can choose to adopt. Senators approved the bill, 38-0. 

 

“Our veterans have already given so much in service to our nation, and they deserve to be able to remain in the communities they call home,” said Senator Julian A. Cyr (D-Provincetown), primary sponsor of S.1948. “For many veterans on Cape Cod, the Islands, and across Massachusetts, rising property taxes are putting undue pressure on household budgets that are already razor thin. This bill gives communities a meaningful property tax relief tool while recognizing the service veterans have already given so they may live with the dignity they have earned. I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka, municipal leaders, and advocates who helped move this legislation forward, and to our veterans for their continued contributions to civic life.” 

 

The first four bills were advanced to the Senate floor by unanimous votes of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on January 8, 2026. The tax shock and municipal relief bills were subject to an 18-day public comment period held by the Ways and Means Committee in December. The Joint Committee on Revenue advanced the senior deferral and senior exemption bills on November 7, 2025 after soliciting public testimony in June. 

 

The veterans’ housing relief bill was advanced by the Senate Committee on Rules with a unanimous poll of January 12, 2026. The Joint Committee on Revenue solicited public testimony at a hearing in June and gave the legislation a favorable report on November 7, 2025. All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. 

 

Now that they have been passed by the Senate, all five bills head to the House for further consideration. 

Senate Acts to Boost Campaign Finance Transparency

Senate Acts to Boost Campaign Finance Transparency 

Financial reporting bill holds ballot questions accountable amid onslaught of special interest funding 

 

(BOSTON—01/15/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today passed bipartisan legislation to require ballot campaigns to routinely report to the public who is funding their campaigns and how the money is being used. 

 

The measure increases transparency in campaign finance, gives voters access to the information they need to make informed choices, and guards against a rise in special interests paying millions to put their own priorities on the ballot. 

 

“When you go to the ballot box, you deserve to know who is behind each initiative and to make your own judgment about whether those efforts serve the greater good of our Commonwealth or the personal interests of special interest groups,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “As elected leaders, we hold ourselves to this standard of transparency and accountability, and this legislation ensures that every measure on the ballot is held to that same standard. I commend Chair Rodrigues and Chair Keenan for their work on this bill and applaud Senator DiDomenico for his leadership as the lead sponsor.” 

 

“I am pleased to see this ballot transparency bill passed by the full Senate. It is only fair and proper to require state ballot question committees to abide by the same campaign finance and disclosure requirements that candidates for public office must adhere to,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The bill also mandates the campaign committee’s bank to send donation and expenditure reports directly to OCPF, similar to the procedure for candidates. This commonsense reform legislation will level the playing field and empower voters to make better choices and be more informed on the advocacy groups behind these ballot question referendums. With an increasing proliferation of ballot question initiatives, voters deserve to know the funding source—in real time—of these special interest groups.” 

 

“With the increasing number of ballot questions in each election, the need for transparency has never been greater,” said Senator John F. Keenan (D-Quincy), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. “Many of the questions are backed with significant funding and other resources. This important bill will allow voters to see who is supporting or opposing the ballot questions, sponsoring the ads, and paying for mailings. It will help voters make informed decisions at the polls.” 

 

“Statewide ballot questions are a great tool for empowering the public to vote directly on statewide policies, but it is vitally important that our voters know which people and organizations are funding these policy proposals,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), lead sponsor of the bill. “I am proud to pass my legislation through the Senate that will close a loophole in our campaign finance law and ensure our residents have all the information they need to make an educated decision when voting on ballot measures.” 

 

The transparency bill—S.2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees—brings accountability to ballot question campaigns and holds them to the same standard of disclosure already followed by candidates for office. The legislation would remedy a current void of nearly a year leading up to an election during which the ballot question campaigns are not required to report any financial data in a timely manner. 

 

This month marks the start of the current eight-month period when ballot question committees are not required to regularly disclose any financial updates. From now until September, voters will be hit with campaign ads and mail without knowing who is funding them. Today, Senators voted to close that gap, requiring ballot campaigns to report at least monthly on their donors. 

 

The legislation was advanced to the full Senate on January 8, 2026 by a 15-0 vote of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, after a previous draft was reviewed and advanced in November by the Joint Committee on Election Laws. All committee votes are publicly available on the Legislature’s website. 

 

The Senate passed the bill on a bipartisan 38-0 roll call vote, sending it to the House for further consideration. 

 

Senate Creates New License Plate for Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Senate Creates New License Plate for Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers 

Special recognition would help immediate family honor their loved ones 

 

(BOSTON—01/15/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously approved a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents, and children. 

 

The bill—S.2903, An Act honoring Blue Star Families—directs the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to create a new Blue Star Families plate to help the family members remember their loved one in a visible way on their car. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates. 

 

“As we mourn Officer Stephen LaPorta, who fell in the line of duty, we are reminded that the freedoms and protections of our Commonwealth would be impossible without the courage and service of Officer LaPorta and all those who have given their lives to protect others,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “His selflessness reflects the very best of public service and stands as a solemn reminder of the profound debt we owe to those who place themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. This legislation represents small but meaningful recognition to honor the memory of the fallen and to affirm our enduring commitment to the families and loved ones they leave behind. With deep gratitude, I thank Chair Rodrigues and Chair Cronin for their work on this legislation, and Senator Mark for his leadership in proposing this bill.” 

 

“It’s especially fitting to bestow this highly visible license plate in recognition for families of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This distinctive plate will be available to spouses, children, and parents of fallen law enforcement officers all across the Commonwealth at no additional charge from the Registry. It is a small but meaningful token of appreciation that we can do to honor these brave men and women who paid the price when answering the call to duty.” 

 

“Today’s vote affirms the Massachusetts Senate’s commitment to honor those who have given everything in service of our Commonwealth,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “This legislation not only recognizes our fallen heroes but also ensures that their service and sacrifice lives on through their loved ones. I’m proud to have voted for this bill and am grateful to Senate President Spilka and my colleagues for their efforts to support Blue Star Families and the law enforcement community.” 

 

Under the legislation, the RMV would be required to make the plates available to Blue Star spouses, parents, and children without charge. The RMV would also be able to offer vanity plate registrations for Blue Star plates up to six characters in length.  

 

The Blue Star Family license plates would join other special recognition plates currently offered by the RMV, including Gold Star Family plates for drivers with close family members who in or as a result of their service in the Armed Forces. 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the legislation to the floor on a 17-0 vote on January 8, 2026, as a partial report on a bill that was advanced in December by the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. 

 

The Senate passed the bill on a 38-0 roll call vote, sending it to the House for further consideration.  

 

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES FIRST HOTEL PROJECT UNDER NET ZERO CARBON ZONING Affordable housing in Brighton, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan moves forward

BOSTON - January 15, 2026 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of the City’s first hotel project to be permitted under the new Net Zero Carbon Zoning. In total, staff recommended approval of five new development projects representing approximately 457,987 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 119 new homes, including 56 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 447 construction jobs and 298 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Development Projects Project at 393 Cambridge Street will build Boston’s first hotel under Net Zero Carbon Zoning Housing: 96 hotel rooms Jobs: Approximately 30 permanent jobs, approximately 43 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon, LEED Gold Located in Allston, this new seven-story hotel with 96 rooms will be the first hotel project in the city to be permitted under the new Net Zero Carbon Zoning. The building will include indoor and outdoor bike parking. As part of its mitigation commitment, the project will improve the public realm with new landscaping, sidewalks, street trees, a new raised crosswalk, and pedestrian connections. The project complies with the Allston-Brighton Mobility Plan by creating additional sidewalk dimensions on Cambridge Street, improving overall mobility for all users. As part of the community benefits, this project will contribute $30,000 towards the maintenance of nearby Ringer Park and Playground. Rogerson-Beaufort Project Phase 1 moves forward with new income-restricted senior housing Housing: 41 income-restricted senior housing units, renovation and replacement of 66 beds for memory-care patients Jobs: Approximately 142 construction jobs, approximately 161 permanent jobs Community: Supportive services for residents, public realm improvements focused on pedestrians and bicyclists Sustainability: LEED Gold, all-electric, roof top solar PV, Passive house, EV parking This project will redevelop what is currently the Rogerson House property in Jamaica Plain into 41 new income-restricted senior housing units, while also renovating and replacing the current 66-bed memory care facility that currently exists. The project will improve the public realm with new sidewalks, landscaping, and safer pedestrian access. A second phase of this project will be reviewed separately in the future. New housing moves forward at 1954 Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton Housing: 26 homeownership units, four income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 24 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Preservation of existing historic structures on site This project will convert what is currently a vacant three-family home in Brighton into a five-story mixed-use building including 26 homeownership units, four of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom units. The Allston-Brighton Needs Assessment adopted by the BPDA Board in January 2024 showed that the average rent for a two-bedroom unit increased over the course of the Assessment study period, underscoring the urgent need for more two-bedroom options in the neighborhood. This project will also improve the public realm with better sidewalks and a new street tree. 841 Morton Street project to create new housing, pedestrian connection in Mattapan Housing: 52 units, 11 income-restricted units Jobs: Retail space, approximately 72 construction jobs, approximately five permanent jobs Community: $20,000 in community benefits, public realm improvements Sustainability: LEED Gold, Net Zero Carbon, efficient all-electric, Passive House Located in Mattapan, this project will convert what is currently a gas station and parking lot into a new five-story building with 52 homes, 11 of which will be income-restricted. The units will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. The building will include ground floor retail space, as well as indoor and outdoor bike parking. The use and design of this building aligns well with the current, active corridor of Morton Street, which is in a Squares + Streets zoning district as part of PLAN: Mattapan. This project will significantly improve the public realm with new landscaping, better sidewalks, and a new pedestrian connection between Morton and Flint Streets. The new pedestrian path directly aligns with PLAN: Mattapan, as it will further develop the Mattapan Green Links network as advocated in the plan. The Green Link will be open at all times for public use and will include new lighting, landscaping, and public art. This project will also contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. Project at 371-401 D Street will build new hotel outside convention center Housing: 438 hotel rooms, $1.8 million in Linkage funding toward affordable housing Jobs: Approximately 163 construction jobs, approximately 102 permanent jobs, $338,800 in Linkage funding toward job training Community: Free community meeting space for neighborhood non-profit organizations each quarter Sustainability: LEED Gold, efficient all-electric, indoor bike parking This project will add a new 438 room, 14-story hotel across the street from the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston, to a site which currently includes the Element and Aloft hotels. It will also modify the existing layout of the Element Hotel to add more rooms. The new hotel will provide community gathering space for a nonprofit organization every quarter. It will also include a bike room for employees. The project will improve the public realm with new sidewalks, landscaping, and street trees, expanding the tree canopy to combat urban heat island effect. This project will contribute $75,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the city's bikeshare system. The addition of a new hotel to this area will improve the City’s ability to host more large-scale conventions, which will stimulate economic activity in the neighborhood. In addition to these projects, the Board approved: An update to a previously approved project at 445-449 Cambridge Street to change the housing development from two buildings to one building. An update to a previously approved project at 38 Hichborn Street to add two units, relocate the building’s commercial space, and reduce the number of parking spaces. An update to a previously approved project at 639 Warren Street to change the program of units from a mix of rental and homeownership to all rental. An update to a previously approved project at 1208C VFW Parkway for a change of ownership and to make all units income-restricted. The disbursement of $275,000 from the 1350 Boylston Street project Community Benefits Fund to 15 community organizations.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES 2026 DAY OF CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES 2026 DAY OF CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.  

The City of Boston and Boston University continue the tradition of paying tribute to the life, legacy, and influence of Dr. King.

BOSTON – Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston will present the annual "A Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," in partnership with Boston University. The event will take place on Monday, January 19, at 12:00 p.m. at Metcalf Hall on the second floor of the George Sherman Union at Boston University, located at 775 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. The event will be live-streamed on Boston.gov and air on Boston City TV (Xfinity 26, RCN 13 and Fios 962).

 

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic life, transformative leadership and enduring legacy is central to the City of Boston. This year’s celebration highlights the Kings’ stand for justice and honors Dr. King’s influence that continues to inspire action and change in our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thank you to Boston University for your partnership in continuing this tradition and allowing us to come together to honor the Kings’ legacy and carry their message of hope and the power of community forward.” 

This year’s King Day Celebration will center the theme “Justice Indivisible: Fighting Racism, Greed, and War,” inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1967 Three Evils of Society speech, which names racism, poverty, and militarism as persistent threats to American democracy. The 90-minute program will feature a keynote address by writer, scholar, and cultural organizer Dr. Eve L. Ewing, associate professor at the University of Chicago and the award-winning author of five books, including the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism. Ewing is also known for her work with Marvel Comics, including Ironheart, Black Panther, and Exceptional X-Men.

The program will also include readings from two Boston University Students that are graduates of Boston Public Schools and musical selections performed by a student band ZURI from Berklee College of Music.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was an alumnus of Boston University, and we are proud that his legacy, and the values he espoused, continue to guide us to this day,” said President Melissa Gilliam. “He devoted his life to building bridges through civil discourse, to creating communities rooted in dignity and mutual respect, and to serving others. These principles matter deeply to us, and they are fundamental to our partnership with the City of Boston and our shared programs in civic engagement and access to education. We look forward to continuing to work together to uphold human rights and opportunity for all people.”

 

In previous years, leaders such as Mayor Michelle Wu, U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley, City of Boston Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu, Beverly Morgan-Welch, Sonia Sanchez, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, Judy Richardson of Eyes on the Prize, author and poet Cole Arthur Riley,  and civil rights activist and filmmaker Topper Carew served as keynote speakers. Governor Deval Patrick, Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, Boston Poet Laureates Sam Cornish, Danielle Legros Georges, Porsha Olayiwola, and WGBH Radio host Eric Jackson are among those who have served as readers in previous years. 

National Civil Rights and Latino Leaders Demand Congressional Accountability for Escalating Federal Abuse and Executive Overreach

 National Civil Rights and Latino Leaders Demand Congressional Accountability for Escalating Federal Abuse and Executive Overreach 

Ahead of MLK Jr. Day, leaders convene at the one-year mark of the Trump administration amid affordability concerns and renewed civil rights focus following events in Minneapolis 

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, a coalition of national civil rights, faith and Latino advocacy organizations led by UnidosUS held a virtual press conference demanding the U.S. Congress take immediate action to rein in heinous and excessive immigration enforcement practices that are eroding constitutional protections, undermining public safety and harming communities across the country. This press call followed a joint letter signed by 74 national, state and local organizations across the country also calling on the U.S. Congress to exercise its constitutional oversight role. 

 

During the press conference held ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, national advocates cited growing concerns following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a mother and U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis, as well as the numerous accounts of indiscriminate abuse and unwarranted deaths seen in other states couched under the guise of federal immigration enforcement operations.    

 

In the joint letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the civil right leaders called on Congress to “enact clear, enforceable guardrails that protect constitutional rights, ensure transparency, and curb the abuse of power we see daily across the country.”  

 

As the Trump administration approaches one year in office, the coalition emphasized that Congress has the authority and responsibility to reject unchecked funding for immigration enforcement, warning that last summer’s legislation provided the administration with unprecedented resources, including $170 billion and 10,000 additional ICE agents. This has fueled abuses of power and the weaponization of a broken immigration system, outcomes that could be repeated without meaningful guardrails and oversight. 

 

Leaders also warned that the expansion of detention, surveillance and unaccountable enforcement, paired with inadequate training and oversight, has predictably resulted in fear, racial profiling, due process violations, wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, unsafe detention conditions and expanded surveillance practices that endanger civil liberties. 

 

National civil rights organizations called on Congress to exercise its constitutional oversight authority and include enforceable guardrails in legislation and in FY 2026 appropriations to rein in abuses of power and protect communities: 

 

· Congress Should Respond to Unlawful Use of the Military: Prohibit the domestic deployment of military personnel or resources for immigration enforcement or policing, reaffirming long-standing limits on military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

· Protect Communities from Misuse of Power: Ban masked federal agents and require clear identification and body cameras; codify sensitive-location protections for schools, hospitals, courts and places of worship; suspend 287(g) agreements until independent oversight is in place; and ensure arrests and detentions are properly documented and legally authorized.

· Restore Due Process: Require judicial warrants for all arrests and detentions, transparent reporting and independent investigations into deaths or wrongful detentions, access to legal counsel and family for detained individuals, and prohibitions on mass detention, dragnet surveillance, and the use of non-immigration data for enforcement purposes. 

 

The organizations stressed that these reforms should apply nationwide and are intended to protect the constitutional rights and safety of all communities while reinforcing Congress’s role in providing oversight of federal immigration enforcement. 

 

Organizations that joined the press call and signed onto the letter include: 

UnidosUS   

Advancing Justice – AAJC  

America’s Voice 

Aquí: The Accountability Movement 

Hispanic Federation 

LatinoJustice 

Latino Victory 

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law  

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)  

Mi Familia Vota 

NAACP  

National Urban League  

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights  

Voto Latino