LYNN — The Massachusetts Senate voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to advance sweeping legislation aimed at expanding protections for immigrants, moving the proposal one step closer to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk amid mounting national anxiety over federal immigration enforcement actions.

The Senate approved the measure, known as the PROTECT Act, by a 37-3 vote after nearly eight hours of debate and consideration of 76 amendments, most of which were withdrawn or rejected.

The bill seeks to limit the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to carry out warrantless civil immigration arrests in sensitive spaces such as schools, child care facilities, health care providers, houses of worship, and state courts.

“Massachusetts is stronger because of the immigrants who call our great state home,” Senate President Karen Spilka said during a press conference. “People deserve to live with dignity, safety, and peace of mind.”

The legislation comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies immigration enforcement efforts nationwide, following campaign pledges to increase deportations and crack down on illegal immigration.

Those actions have sparked protests across the country, particularly over reports of aggressive ICE tactics.

Lynn has also been part of this response, recently providing an update on efforts involving the city and Congressman Seth Moulton’s office to support paraeducator Mariola Perez, who has attended all immigration check-ins and been repeatedly granted a stay of removal but was threatened with deportation at her last appointment.

“Our city’s strength is built on the courage and contributions of our immigrant neighbors,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We are glad to see the state advancing legislation like the PROTECT Act that reflects our commitment in Lynn and across the Commonwealth to the safety, dignity, and future of every resident.”

When asked whether all ICE arrests in Massachusetts were unjustified, Spilka said, “It’s a pretty broad question.” She added, “Trump came in saying he was only going to arrest those with proven criminal records. Clearly, that’s not what has happened.”

According to Maroni Minter, political director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, more than 75% of immigrants detained in Massachusetts have no criminal record.

Supporters say federal policy changes under the Trump administration have stripped away long-standing protections for so-called “sensitive locations.”

For decades, schools, hospitals, and places of worship were generally considered off-limits for immigration enforcement activity.

Lynn has recently posted signs on school properties stating: “This property of the city of Lynn may not be used for civil immigration enforcement activities.”

AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang said in a press release that the Senate bill reflects key union priorities, especially protections for schools and child care centers.

“No one should be afraid to drop their child off at school or go to the hospital for care or get essentials at the grocery store because they’re worried about being targeted simply by the color of their skin,” Tang said. “We remain committed to working with the legislature, the Healey Administration, and critical allies to build upon today’s steps and ensure we’re doing everything we can at the state and local level to protect our students and ensure our schools remain safe spaces for them to learn and grow.” 

The Senate version of the PROTECT Act includes provisions beyond ICE restrictions. It creates a “standby guardianship” system allowing parents facing detention or deportation to temporarily designate another adult to care for their children for up to 30 days.

The bill also bars law enforcement from entering into new agreements with federal immigration authorities, creates civil liability standards for federal agents operating in Massachusetts, and directs the attorney general’s office to help schools, shelters, medical providers, and child care centers develop responses to ICE encounters and warrant verification procedures.

“The PROTECT Act provides protection to all Massachusetts residents from direct action by federal law enforcement that violates individual protections under the US Constitution. The Senate’s action mirrors some of the existing protections made in Lynn and other Gateway Cities, where civil immigration enforcement operations are banned on city property,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton.

“Thank you to my colleagues for their work shaping this legislation, and to all of the advocates and stakeholders who have continued to push for many of the same protections we have included in this bill,” he added. 

Additional provisions strengthen protections at polling places, expedite visas for immigrant crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement, and shield public employees from certain federal investigations.

The Senate proposal differs from the House version, which passed 134-21 in March.

While the House focused protections mainly on courthouses, the Senate expanded them to additional sensitive locations and added notification requirements for schools and child care providers.

The Senate version also imposes stricter limits on sharing nonpublic personal information with federal immigration authorities and fully prohibits new or expanded 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. 

The House version would have allowed limited agreements under state oversight.

Republicans raised constitutional concerns. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr sought a Supreme Judicial Court opinion on several provisions, but his motion failed 5-35. Tarr ultimately voted in favor of the bill.

House and Senate negotiators must now reconcile differences before a final bill reaches Healey. Under new legislative rules, lawmakers have until early January to reach a compromise.

Tang warned that the immigration climate is already affecting schools in Gateway Cities such as Lynn, Lawrence, Chelsea, and Boston, where districts are seeing enrollment declines as immigrant families avoid public spaces.

“These districts are already disproportionately impacted by the White House’s agenda to dismantle public education as we know it. Many of the families they serve have resorted to sheltering in place — afraid that just going to school puts their family at risk. For parents, every day they send their child to school is a day they may have just put their own livelihoods and lives at risk,” Tang stated. 

She added, “These students haven’t disappeared or left and we must do everything in our power to protect our immigrant families and ensure their schools have the tools and resources they need to support them.”