The Massachusetts State House has seen a crowd of demonstrators urging lawmakers to pass and expand the PROTECT Act, a bill that would regulate how local and state agencies interact with federal immigration authorities. The bill has already passed the House, but advocates are urging the senate to go further, calling for an end to harmful collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE, expanding access to optional virtual court proceeding, and improving the U/T via process for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The Department of Homeland Security also commented on the bill, stating it ensures that state and local police remain focused on public safety and combating criminal threats rather than targeting individuals who pose no threat to public safety.