MA Executive Order 655: Strengthens Worship Place Protections

MA Governor Executive Orders

Published March 18th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

Massachusetts Governor Executive Order 655 amends Executive Order 650 to provide resources and model policies for places of worship regarding interactions with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for entry. The Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity is directed to assist these institutions.

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What changed

Executive Order No. 655 amends Executive Order No. 650 by adding a directive for the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity to assist places of worship in developing policies for interacting with federal immigration officers and requiring judicial warrants for entry. This amendment also mandates the provision of resources, model policies, and training to these institutions to promote safety.

Places of worship in Massachusetts should review these new directives and consider adopting policies in line with the guidance provided by the Governor's office. While no specific compliance deadline is stated, the directive is to assist immediately, implying prompt action is expected. The order aims to strengthen protections for religious institutions and their congregants in the context of immigration enforcement.

What to do next

Review Executive Order 655 and its implications for policies regarding federal immigration officer interactions.
Develop or update policies for places of worship concerning judicial warrants for entry by federal immigration officers.
Consult provided resources and model policies from the Governor's office for implementation.

Source document (simplified)

Executive Order

Executive Order No. 655: Amending Executive Order No. 650 to Strengthen Protections for Places of Worship

| Date: | 03/18/2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Issuer: | Maura Healey |
| Amending: | Executive Order No. 650 |

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Executive Order No. 650 is hereby amended by inserting, after the first paragraph of Section 4, the following paragraph:

The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity, in collaboration with the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, is immediately directed to assist places of worship seeking to adopt policies for: (i) interacting with federal immigration officers; and (ii) requiring a judicial warrant or judicial order for entry by federal immigration officers. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity, in collaboration with the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, shall also: (i) provide resources and model policies to assist such places of worship; and (ii) offer trainings and other support, as appropriate, to such places of worship to promote safety in Massachusetts’ communities.

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