Residents are furious over Massachusetts announcing that it is transforming a former state prison into a shelter for hundreds of illegal immigrants and homeless individuals currently being held at Logan International Airport in Boston and on a shelter waitlist.  

The Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI), a medium-security facility, is being renovated using taxpayer dollars to serve as a temporary shelter in Norfolk, a small town that voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Despite Governor Maura Healey's intentions, the initiative has faced significant opposition from local residents. During a special Select Board meeting on Wednesday, approximately 300 residents voiced their discontent, condemning the decision and criticizing the lack of transparency. Many attendees wore shirts reading "Save Norfolk: No Shelter." 

"Let’s face it, we don't want it here. We don't," expressed one resident, according to GBH.  “And, it doesn't make us bad people, it doesn't make me not compassionate, it doesn't make me a bad father." 

"It’s their building [the state’s] and they don’t need our permission to use it, but it would have been nice to partner at the front end to understand what their plans were," Lehan said, per GBH. 

Healey announced that the shelter is expected to be operational next month and will serve as a "temporary safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness," according to Fox News. 

The shelter will implement a 30-day engagement requirement with a monthly recertification process, ensuring residents are actively working on obtaining work permits, securing employment, and finding permanent housing.  

The facility is anticipated to accommodate around 140 families. 

In the past, Massachusetts has cited the state's sanctuary city law in its efforts to assist illegal immigrants, but the influx has continued to strain resources. 

Select Board Chair Jim Lehan revealed that he and other Norfolk residents were only informed about the shelter through social media and has complained about the state’s lack of transparency with the initiative.