Jack Gately Uncovers Healey Training Program for Migrants to Become Cops

BOSTON, MA - As part of its campaign to highlight up-and-coming reporters in the Massachusetts media ecosystem, the Massachusetts Republican Party is flagging a new report by reporter Jack Gately showing how state government is offering training programs for migrants to become police officers, potentially running afoul of state gun laws. 

MassHire, the state’s job hunting and training resource, currently lists training programs labeled “Approved for: Employment Support for Immigrants in Shelters” that provide training for the “Targeted Occupations: Police Patrol Officers, Correctional Officers and Jailers, Security Guards.” 

The trainings are listed as taking place at Springfield Tech and Bristol, Massasoit, Holyoke Community Colleges. These trainings are open to “migrants in shelters” but are available for other members of the public as well. 

It’s unclear if non-citizens may become police officers in Massachusetts, according to the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force Massachusetts. Gately notes some jurisdictions have specific requirements for members of law enforcement to be citizens. 

Also unclear is how migrants may be trained by state community colleges to become police officers, given that obtaining a license to carry (LTC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires proof of citizenship. Statewide police certifications require officers to obtain and maintain a valid LTC. 

“Offering migrants the chance to become gun-wielding police officers is beyond the pale, even for Maura Healey,” said MassGOP Executive Director John Milligan. “This latest revelation is just one of many underscoring how little Governor Healey cares for public safety on her watch and only adds to bipartisan fears that violent suspects may soon be released from custody if public defenders don’t return to work.” 

BACKGROUND:

On Tuesday, reporter Jack Gately documented several job training programs offered by the Commonwealth and geared toward migrants in the state’s shelter system that suggest the Healey administration is encouraging migrants to become employed as police officers, a position that may run afoul of the state’s LTC requirements. (Jack Gately, 7/22/25)