L’Italien on Safe Communities Act Senate Vote: ‘We Will All Rest Easier’

Barbara L’Italien Thursday applauded the efforts of Sen. Jamie Eldridge in passing a budget amendment related to the Safe Communities Act. (File photograph)

Andover Sen. Barbara L’Italien Thursday applauded the efforts of Acton Sen. Jamie Eldridge in passing legislation that amends key provisions of the Civil Rights and Safety budget relating to the Safe Communities Act.

On Wednesday, a budget amendment introduced by Eldridge was passed in the Senate that bars police inquiries about immigration status and ensures basic due process for immigrants.

“This amendment will help law enforcement take care of its responsibilities more easily, while also keeping families safe,” L’Italien said. “I’ve been proud to work on the Safe Communities Act for years and I was honored to vote for the Civil Rights and Safety amendment. We will all rest easier once this is law.”

The senator calls the vote a “step in the right direction.”

“Immigrants are our friends and neighbors, they’re part of our community. I’m sick and tired of the Trump administration making them feel unsafe in their own homes, and it’s about time we did something about it,” L’Italien said.

Representing the residents of Andover and Lawrence in the Senate since 2014 after serving eight years in the House. She’s running to succeed Congresswoman Niki Tsongas in this fall’s 3rd district election.