Nearly 1,500 immigrants detained in Massachusetts.
1,461 immigrants were arrested in Massachusetts in the last 30 days for allegedly having a criminal record.
Authorities say most of the immigrants had serious criminal records, while community organizations warn of the impact on families and local communities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with several federal agencies, has arrested 1,461 undocumented immigrants in the last 30 days, as part of the so-called Operation Patriot, developed throughout Massachusetts. The initiative focused on individuals with serious criminal records and ties to international criminal organizations.
Collaborating agencies included the FBI, the DEA, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Together, they conducted operations in various regions of the state, including areas such as Boston, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard.
According to ICE, More than half of those detained face charges or convictions for crimes in the United States or their countries of origin. Some were wanted under Interpol red notices, and 277 had previously been ordered to leave the country by immigration judges, but refused to comply.
The crimes committed by those arrested include homicide, child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and membership in violent gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Trinitarios, and the 18th Street gang.
Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Director of ICE's Boston Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, explained: “Make no mistake: every person we arrested was violating our immigration laws, But most had significant criminal records. They were criminals who victimized innocent people and traumatized entire communities: murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sexual predators, and members of violent transnational criminal gangs. All attempted to evade justice by hiding in Massachusetts.
ICE has noted that several arrests have been made in communities where local authorities are uncooperative, failing to respond to immigration detention requests. This forced officers to make arrests directly in public spaces or residences.
A couple of months ago, Thomas D. Homan, appointed as “Border Czar” by the US government, had previously announced his intention to travel to Boston and surrounding areas as part of a federal operation focused on the detention of illegal immigrants with criminal records. The visit, according to Homan, was in response to his commitment to support ICE and other agencies in implementing a security policy that prioritizes the capture and deportation of individuals considered highly dangerous.
Authorities asserted that these actions seek to enhance public safety and protect local communities from individuals deemed dangerous. “Public safety and national security remain our priority,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent Michael J. Krol.
Finally, ICE notes that the immigrants will remain in custody while their deportation proceedings are carried out or their departure orders are executed.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Fountain:
English 
Spanish