Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker says police should be able to use an individual's immigration status to help protect local communities.
Baker said Thursday that he opposes creating statewide protections for immigrants in the country illegally, saying that option should be left to cities and towns.
Baker says Massachusetts communities have taken different approaches in dealing with immigrants, adding that local officials are best positioned to make those decisions.
The Republican says a person's immigration status should also be seen as "a tool in the tool kit that law enforcement has to protect the people in their communities" whenever the opportunity arises.
Baker's comments came in response to questions about the role of so-called "sanctuary cities" that resist turning over immigrants to federal authorities.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
