By Our Correspondent 

WASHINGTON - A growing national backlash against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified this week after a series of controversial enforcement actions, prompting Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to announce sweeping measures aimed at curbing ICE activity across the state.

Speaking to reporters, Healey accused ICE of using “unlawful, un-American tactics” under the direction of President Donald Trump, saying her administration was acting to protect residents and uphold constitutional rights.

“Enough is enough,” the governor said, framing the issue as one of civil liberties, public safety, and the rule of law.

Healey announced new legislation to bar ICE agents from entering schools, daycares, childcare centers, churches, hospitals, health clinics, and courthouses.

She also signed an executive order with immediate effect prohibiting ICE from carrying out civil arrests in non-public areas of state buildings, banning the use of state property to stage immigration enforcement operations, and blocking new 287(g) cooperation agreements between state agencies and ICE unless there is a “clear and imminent public safety need.”

“What we’re doing today in Massachusetts is standing up to an agency and an administration that are out of control,” Healey said. “But we’re also standing up for something, the freedoms and protections enshrined in our state and federal constitutions, and for immigrant communities who are part of the fabric of our society.”

- National outrage and calls for impeachment

The Massachusetts move comes amid mounting anger among Democratic lawmakers nationwide following reports and viral videos showing aggressive ICE actions, including the alleged killing of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti during an enforcement operation. Several lawmakers have accused federal authorities of violating constitutional rights and misleading the public.

Senator Jacky Rosen accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of enabling abuses, writing on X: “Kristi Noem misled the American people and allowed ICE to violate Americans’ Constitutional rights. She needs to be impeached.”

Representative Brittany Pettersen went further, alleging that ICE agents are “terrorizing communities” and demanding an independent investigation into Pretti’s death. “Trump and Kristi Noem want to gaslight the public about what we all saw with our own eyes,” she said, calling for Noem’s resignation or removal.

Representative Mike Thompson said he had joined early efforts to draft articles of impeachment against Noem, accusing her of overseeing unchecked enforcement and vowing to oppose any further funding for ICE. Senator Elizabeth Warren also backed accountability efforts, saying federal officials must answer for actions that undermine civil rights.

- Congress blocked, constitutional clash deepens

Tensions escalated further after members of Congress said they were denied access to federal facilities during oversight visits. Representative John Larson said the denial violated the Constitution, which grants lawmakers the right to enter federal buildings without prior permission.

“Members of Congress are the representatives of the people,” Larson said. “Blocking that access is unconstitutional. This is exactly why Kristi Noem must go, and why Donald Trump must be held accountable.”

- A widening divide

The clash reflects a deepening divide between Republican-led federal immigration enforcement and Democratic-led states pushing back through legislation, executive orders, and legal challenges. With more governors signaling resistance and lawmakers openly calling for impeachment of senior officials, immigration enforcement has once again become a central flashpoint in U.S. politics, raising fundamental questions about constitutional authority, civil rights, and the limits of federal power.