Downtown Boston

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is calling on owners of downtown lots and garages to reject any effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to lease space for "surge parking." The request stems from a Department of Homeland Security notice seeking 249 contiguous parking spaces in Boston's central business district, part of a nationwide push covering 14 cities. Boston's request is the second largest in the country.

In a letter, Wu warned that ICE securing such a facility would be an "unprovoked and unwarranted escalation" risking public safety and economic activity, citing recent deadly ICE shootings in Maine, Texas, and Minnesota. Boston also filed a public records request seeking submissions to ICE's notice. DHS dismissed Wu's move as "unhinged," saying she has no authority over private property decisions. Officials describe the effort as market research only, with no lease finalized. If it proceeds, the process could take months, with ICE vehicles potentially occupying spaces as early as next year.