A Safe Salem for All

Salem strives to be a place where all community members are safe and supported. We believe in treating our neighbors with empathy and respect, and that the function of City government is to deliver the services that make our community functional and forward looking.

In 2017 the City adopted an ordinance governing the intersection of municipal services and immigration policy. That ordinance is available here and the associated Police Department policy is available here. An FAQ document regarding the 2017 ordinance provides helpful additional background here.

Salem Public Schools has recently issued additional information to the school community regarding its approach to this matter here.

Pursuant to the ordinance and policy, the City of Salem provides municipal services to any community member, regardless of immigration status, and does not ask about immigration status in providing those services unless required by state or federal law. Salem Police officers do not and will not undertake immigration-related investigations or arrests, nor inquire about the immigration status of any person, unless required to by state or federal law. You can view a statement issued by the Salem Police Department on this topic here.

Federal law prohibits the City and the Police Department from withholding information about the immigration status of an individual, if that status is known by the City or the Police Department - but there is generally no legal requirement that the City or Police Department require or request that information. Salem Police do not and will not enforce detainers or holds that are not accompanied by a judicial warrant.

Salem's policies do not shelter criminals, regardless of their immigration status or any other status. The City's policies reflect that the effectiveness of local law enforcement is based on collaborative relationships and mutual trust between the police and those whom they protect.

Community members in need of additional information may find these resources informative:

MIRA : The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition provides a wealth of information and resources, including tools for both immigrants and advocates.

Know Your Rights/Request Help: Offered by the Boston-based Lawyers for Civil Rights.

Guidance on Avoiding Immigration Scams: Steps to protect individuals from fraudulent immigration services. Emergency Planning Guide for Families< /a>: Practical advice for families to prepare for emergencies. Know Your Rights : Published by the ACLU of Massachusetts.

Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status: Information from the Office of the MA Attorney General to guide parents with uncertain immigration status who may be concerned about the care and custody of their children.

Welcome Immigrant Networ k: North Shore-based organization supporting new arrivals.

"In Salem, the lessons and legacy from our community's own tragic history inspire us to be a place that works to center trust and unity, and that supports our neighbors," said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. "We know that division will never create a safer or more secure community - it will only undermine it. For almost 400 years Salem's shores have welcomed waves of newcomers from across our world. They have, for generations, put down roots and raised up families here. They have shaped and built the incredible city we all love today - and Salem is the better for it."

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