Boston’s Mayor is under fire as her controversial plan to address the city’s opioid crisis prioritizes treatment over incarceration for drug dealers. Critics say the Democratic Mayor’s approach threatens public safety and could worsen Boston’s seven-year crime high.
At a glance:
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced an expansion of efforts to address public drug use amid rising complaints from residents and businesses.
• The city is experiencing its highest crime rates in seven years, particularly in Downtown Crossing and areas around Boston Common.
• Wu’s controversial approach offers addiction treatment instead of incarceration for many drug dealers, sparking fierce criticism.
• Critics argue the policy emboldens drug traffickers and compromises public safety across the city.
• Boston Police will increase presence in drug hotspots while promoting the Suffolk District Attorney’s “Services Over Sentences” program.
Liberal Mayor Refuses to Arrest Drug Dealers
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has unveiled a controversial plan to combat the city’s rampant drug crisis by prioritizing treatment over incarceration for drug dealers. The Democrat’s policy comes as Boston experiences its highest crime rates in seven years, with open-air drug markets expanding throughout downtown areas.
Former ICE Director Tom Homan blasted Wu’s approach, declaring, “She is now openly refusing to arrest anyone who deals narcotics.” Critics warn the policy will only embolden drug traffickers and further deteriorate public safety in the once-proud American city.
The controversial plan is an “evolution” of the city’s strategy to address open-air drug markets, which expanded after the Atkinson Street encampment was cleared in 2023. Wu’s administration claims the approach balances increased police enforcement with addiction treatment for both drug users and dealers.
Business Owners Fear Economic Impact
Local business owners have expressed growing concerns that Wu’s lenient approach is driving customers away from the city. At a recent roundtable meeting, frustrated entrepreneurs detailed how rampant drug use has deterred shoppers and tourists from visiting their establishments.
The city has seen a sharp increase in 311 calls related to drug use impacts, including needle pickup and human waste on streets. Public safety concerns persist despite Wu’s claims that her administration is effectively addressing the crisis.
Homan warned Bostonians of the consequences of Wu’s policies: “You can now expect dealers to take bolder risks more often, all in an effort to get your kids hooked, and ALL thanks to Mayor Wu! Boston is about to hit an entirely new low. I really can’t stress that enough!”
Democrats Defend “Treatment Over Incarceration”
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, a Democrat, has publicly defended the controversial approach, claiming, “Incarceration is not the answer to help them get sober, and if we don’t get them sober, they’re coming back.” His office runs the “Services Over Sentences” program, offering alternatives to prosecution for those with substance use disorders.
Hayden insisted that drug dealers “preying on vulnerable individuals” would still be held accountable, but those dealing due to addiction would be diverted to treatment. The city’s Coordinated Response Team works with outreach workers and police to move individuals into rehabilitative treatment rather than jail cells.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox attempted to downplay concerns about the city’s approach, stating, “We’re not trying to create a war on anything. We are trying to address, you know, crime and fear in our city in a fair and balanced way.”
