NEPBA Executive Director Tom Turco Challenges Governor Healey Over PROTECT Act, Questions Her Commitment to Public Safety
Oct 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chelmsford, MA — October 27, 2026 — New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) Executive Director and former Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety Tom Turco is calling on Governor Maura Healey to address mounting concerns surrounding the Commonwealth's PROTECT Act, questioning whether her administration has adequately considered the law's potential consequences for law enforcement officers and the communities they are sworn to protect.
Turco, who previously served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Correction and Secretary of Public Safety, worked closely with Healey during her tenure as Attorney General. He expressed serious disappointment with the governor's recent defense of the legislation and what he believes is a troubling departure from the public safety priorities he witnessed firsthand.
"I worked closely with Maura Healey when she was Attorney General, both during my time as Commissioner of Correction and as Secretary of Public Safety," said Turco. "I remember a leader who understood the importance of safe communities, who recognized the responsibilities of law enforcement, and who stood for public safety. I cannot recall a time when she advocated for the kinds of restrictions she is defending today."
"Frankly, I have to ask: Where is the Attorney General I once knew? Where is the leader who stood for public safety and for doing what is right?"
Turco's criticism follows recent remarks by Governor Healey invoking fears of immigration enforcement affecting individuals going about everyday activities, including shopping and dining.
"If the governor is going to suggest that people cannot safely go shopping or sit down at a restaurant because of federal immigration enforcement, then she owes the people of Massachusetts an explanation," Turco continued. "What specific incidents is she referring to? Where are the documented examples of these situations occurring in our Commonwealth? These are serious assertions, and they deserve more than political talking points."
The NEPBA recognizes that the PROTECT Act was advanced with the stated intention of protecting constitutional rights and strengthening trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. However, Turco argues that those objectives must be considered alongside the operational realities facing police officers and correctional professionals.
"Nobody is suggesting that constitutional rights should be ignored or that law-abiding individuals should live in fear," Turco said. "But protecting civil liberties should not require creating additional obstacles for the very professionals responsible for protecting our communities. We should be strengthening communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, not placing unnecessary restrictions on it."
While the PROTECT Act preserves cooperation in criminal investigations and certain exceptions involving serious offenses, questions remain regarding its restrictions on release notifications, information sharing, and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Turco believes those questions deserve direct answers from the governor, particularly following concerns raised by Massachusetts sheriffs regarding the law's potential impact on public safety.
"As Executive Director of the NEPBA, I have an obligation to stand up for the men and women who put on a uniform every day and for the people in the communities they serve," Turco said. "Placing restrictions on law enforcement professionals without fully accounting for the operational consequences, the difficult decisions they face, and the potential personal and professional liability they may encounter is simply unacceptable."
"These officers do not have the luxury of debating public safety from behind a podium. They are the ones who must make split-second decisions, navigate complicated legal requirements, and answer for the consequences when something goes wrong."
"The governor cannot simply assure the public that everything will be fine and expect law enforcement professionals to accept that explanation without question," Turco said. "If she believes these restrictions will have no adverse impact on public safety, then she should explain precisely how they will work in practice. What happens when critical information cannot be communicated? What happens when agencies encounter conflicting obligations? And who bears responsibility if an avoidable breakdown in communication contributes to a preventable tragedy?"
Turco concluded by calling on Healey to engage directly with the law enforcement community and address the substance of its concerns.
"I knew Maura Healey as an Attorney General who understood that public safety was not a political slogan. It was a responsibility. I would welcome the opportunity to see that same commitment demonstrated today."
"The people of Massachusetts deserve a governor who listens when public safety professionals raise legitimate concerns. Our officers deserve laws that provide clarity, protect their ability to do their jobs, and recognize the realities they face every day."
"Good intentions do not excuse bad consequences. And when public safety is on the line, leadership means being willing to listen, acknowledge concerns, and make corrections when necessary."
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