Fax machines at center of dispute between BPD and ICE

BPD has documented a total of 15 ICE detainer requests received via facsimile in 2024, but acknowledges that DHS may have different information. In January 2023, BPD asked that ICE stop sending detainer requests solely via fax to district stations, and also send them to a central email address. To date, ICE has not used the email address,

The confusion stems from the methods by which ICE sends the detainer requests to the BPD, a spokesperson for the department said Monday. Specifically, the requests are sent entirely via fax machine, despite the BPD asking for them to be sent via email as well two years ago.

When ICE identifies that a 'removable noncitizen' is in the custody of a local police department, the agency typically lodges a detainer request with that department. These informal requests ask that local authorities hold the person for up to an additional 48 hours and notify ICE as early as possible before the noncitizen is set to be released.

Read at Boston.com