The Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration has become a key issue in Massachusetts, contributing to an increase in support for former President Donald Trump, particularly in communities that voted for Joe Biden in 2020. The trend is evident, as more voters in the state are expressing anger and concern over what they see as unchecked immigration and its impact on their daily lives.
This shift is apparent to anyone paying attention. Recently, during a visit to a Boston-area Costco, I wore a MAGA hat and was approached by several people who enthusiastically showed support, mentioning their concerns about the border crisis and their desire for stricter immigration policies.
Since 2021, around 50,000 undocumented immigrants have arrived in Massachusetts, adding to a nationwide total of nearly 10 million. With immigration emerging as the top concern among Bay State voters, it’s clear why Trump gained ground in the state, narrowing his margin by 7% compared to 2020.
Despite these growing concerns, state leaders, including Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, have resisted calls for stronger border control. Healey announced that Massachusetts would not cooperate with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws, and Mayor Wu similarly stated that Boston police would not assist with deportations.
While Massachusetts politicians may believe they are insulated from the consequences of these policies, the reality on the ground is shifting. Just as Healey reaffirmed her stance on deportations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made several arrests in the state. In one case, ICE detained an undocumented migrant charged with child sex offenses in Boston. In another, an immigrant released in 2021 after illegally entering the country was later charged with raping a pregnant woman in Peabody. These incidents are part of a broader pattern, with more than 30 illegal immigrants arrested in Massachusetts in August and September of this year for a range of crimes.
Beyond crime, the impacts of illegal immigration are being felt across the state. Hospitals are overwhelmed with rising patient numbers, and schools are struggling to accommodate a growing number of non-English-speaking students. Many school districts were blindsided by the influx, adding pressure to an already stretched educational system.
Housing prices in Massachusetts have soared, exacerbated by the increasing demand for housing from newcomers. The state’s “right to shelter” law, which guarantees housing to anyone in need, has only worsened the situation, with costs projected to exceed $1 billion for the current fiscal year. An October poll revealed that fewer than 32% of Massachusetts residents support the law without restrictions, with many advocating for limits on its use or opposing it altogether.
Despite public opposition, sanctuary cities across the state are maintaining their policies, further deepening the divide between state leaders and working-class voters. For example, West Springfield has seen a nearly 20% increase in students requiring English language instruction, with the added cost of $104 per student per day. This pressure on local school districts is felt most acutely in working-class areas, where public school challenges are often ignored by state elites.
The situation could worsen if Massachusetts continues to be a haven for undocumented migrants, with federal deportation efforts increasingly blocked by state policies. If the flow of migrants continues or even increases, the challenges facing the state could escalate significantly.
The state’s liberal leaders may underestimate how their stance on immigration is alienating many voters. As concerns about crime, education, and housing grow, more working-class residents—along with a rising number of Latino citizens—are likely to shift their political allegiances. This shift could result in further gains for the Republican Party, as evidenced by Trump’s increased support in Massachusetts.
While a Republican presidential candidate may not win Massachusetts in 2028, the state’s political landscape is changing. With the growing backlash over immigration policy, a Republican victory in the 2026 gubernatorial race is becoming a real possibility.
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