Statement on ICE raids in New Bedford and Fall River

The following statement is attributable to MTA President Matt Bach and Vice President Deb Gesualdo:

As educators, we are proud to serve any student that comes through our school doors, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants are part of what keep communities like New Bedford and Fall River thriving, and we are outraged that ICE is targeting parents and students in these communities, including parking near fish houses and schools and detaining our community members who are simply trying to go to work or drop their kids off at school. When students are worried about whether their parents will make it home, it makes it hard for them to learn, and parents who are worried about taking their kids to school will often keep them home.

When students are worried about whether their parents will make it home, it makes it hard for them to learn.

We demand that ICE leave these communities in peace immediately. We call on state leadership to ensure the safety of these families and that all policies related to the PROTECT Act are meaningfully enforced.