BOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick took steps on Thursday to reverse a controversial immigration policy championed by the Romney administration.

"I am today rescinding the agreement between the federal authorities and the commonwealth," Patrick said.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that as governor-elect, Patrick promised to undo the deal his predecessor made that gave the state police the power to arrest suspected illegal immigrants. Claiming it has nothing to do with encouraging people to break the law, Patrick said opposition to the deal was solidified after conversations with state police.

"In order to deal with gun and gang violence and the importation of drugs, we know that they have to have trustful relationships with the community. If we add this additional responsibility, we are advised that this compromises that core mission," Patrick said.

Patrick announced a different agreement with federal immigration authorities to train 12 Department of Correction workers at Massachusetts Correctional Institute-Concord and Massachusetts Correctional Institute-Framingham to review the status of prison inmates convicted of crimes. Their work would include initiating deportation proceedings against illegal immigrant convicts who have fallen through the cracks.

"At this point, if somebody is a convicted criminal and the DOC is operating within the parameters of their facility, we are OK with that. We are concerned that that would extend beyond the parameters, but that's not being said," said immigrant activist Ali Noorani.

Patrick said he does believe the country needs comprehensive immigration reform but added that responsibility belongs to the Congress.