The Mt. Hope Canterbury Neighborhood Association (MHC) held an intense discussion at its Feb. 12 meeting about how local communities and elected officials share information and respond to the Trump administration’s immigration policies and actions, especially those of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Lisa Beatman, MHC co-chair, asked State Rep. Russell Holmes what the local response to ICE is and if this is something that might be discussed at future meetings.

“I guess the way I'll put it is, how the city and state are responding to national law enforcement issues? … If this something that we do want to cover in our meeting, ICE, you know, things like that, responses to ICE?” Beatman went on to suggest that it could be placed on the March 2026 agenda and elected officials could be invited to come and discuss it in whatever way seems appropriate.

“I wouldn't even try to find a solution for a problem that doesn't exist yet,” said Holmes. “We don't know what we're dealing with, or if we're going to be dealing with anything.”

He said the federal level is where the issue needs to be debated. With the Department of Homeland Security funding uncertain in areas, Holmes said nothing should change right now at the local level.

“If you want to have a discussion next month, it should be clear, what we do locally is community policing. We have a federal challenge where they are policing our communities. And if that comes to Massachusetts, we have to all start to prepare for the differences between what may happen federally and what we've been, relationships we've been having with our local police, for a very long time.”

Holmes said people are asking about responses and should look to U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

“You need to have Ayanna's team here describing what are they doing at the federal level and not putting that on the mayor, the city councilor, and your state rep and state senator. Call her office and have her office come and tell us what they're doing at the federal level on this issue.”

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Beatman explained that she was seeking information. “It's just that there's a lot going on. A lot of people are talking; a lot of people are getting information from subjective sources. So, we want people to be informed.”

Russell said no one should expect a resolution to the issues. “Set the expectation. Like, if they're walking in here believing that we, at the state level and the city level, are going to solve a federal problem, that is the thing that I want to make sure is not the expectation when you go out in your e-mail.” He suggested asking Pressley, both Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ed Markey. It was decided to contact their respective offices to see if a meeting could be possible.

Josh McCorkleof theMayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services gave his report announcing that the Age Strong Commission is hosting free, in person, Cost Savings Clinics for those 55+ years. Designed to help lower everyday expenses, the dates are March 23-27 in Roslindale, March 2 in Brighton, March 5-6 in Roxbury, March 9-13 in Dorchester, and March 23-27, Downtown. To schedule an appointment for between 10:00 am -3:00 p.m., call 617-635-4366. “There are all sorts of programs and opportunities that can help you cut down various bills, save money on things. I strongly encourage you to set up a meeting and go check it out,” said McCorkle.

Timothy Guimond, the director of civic engagement for District 4 City Councilor Brian Worrell, reported that a crosswalk is scheduled to be put in at the corner of American Legion Highway and Stella Road. He also acknowledged the lack of sidewalk snow shoveling by businesses at American Legion Highway Mall, which Rick Yoder, MHC co-chair, brought up. “Things are getting a little bit better, but I am absolutely happy to push for more responsibility from the abutting property owners as is their responsibility per the city code.”

Guimond also announced that he is leaving his position, as of Feb. 13. He is taking a job with South Coast Habitat for Humanity. “I just wanted to say thank you all. I will definitely miss coming to these meetings.”