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1,406 migrants detained by ICE in Massachusetts

The immigration operation "Patriot 2.0" has left more than 1,400 people detained in Massachusetts and generated strong political reactions.

Van 1.406 migrantes detenidos por ICE en Massachusetts
Redacción Mas Latino
  • PublishedOctober 17, 2025

Photo of Markus Spiske in Unsplash

In a sweeping federal operation dubbed "Operation Patriot 2.0," Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 1,406 people in various Massachusetts cities between September 4 and 30, according to the agency's latest report Thursday.

According to the official statement, the operation primarily targeted individuals with criminal records or active deportation orders. Of those arrested, more than 600 face convictions or active criminal charges. ICE noted the presence of transnational gang members, international fugitives, and individuals linked to serious crimes such as homicide, drug trafficking, and sexual assault.

The action is part of a coordinated effort with other federal agencies to strengthen immigration enforcement. The arrests occurred in several locations, including Boston, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield.

However, civil rights organizations and local authorities reported that the operation also targeted people with no criminal record, which has raised concerns and criticism. One case that has drawn attention is that of a 16-year-old boy mistakenly detained and later released when ICE acknowledged his age was unknown. The arrest of people claiming to have entered the country legally has also been reported.

Rejection of ICE raids in MA

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her condemnation of the operation and reiterated that the city will maintain its policy of non-cooperation with mass deportations. "No community should live in fear of indiscriminate raids," she said in a statement.

Various community groups and pro-immigrant organizations held demonstrations outside ICE facilities across the state, demanding due process guarantees and an end to actions they described as "arbitrary."

ICE, for its part, defended the legality of the operation and asserted that "its primary objective is the arrest of individuals who pose a threat to public safety."

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