ICE Arrests 65 Illegal Aliens in Connecticut Crackdown
In a recent operation dubbed “Operation Broken Trust,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Boston reported the arrest of 65 undocumented immigrants over four days in Connecticut. This operation is part of a broader initiative as the state enforces its sanctuary policies.
Launched in May, this operation coincided with Connecticut’s expansion of the “trust law,” which limits local law enforcement’s ability to share information with ICE, except in cases involving serious crimes.
ICE focused on targeting organized crime and serious offenders. Out of the 65 individuals apprehended, 29 had serious criminal charges or convictions in the U.S., ranging from robbery and assault to drug offenses and sexual crimes. Others identified included gang members and individuals with criminal backgrounds in their home countries.
Patricia H. Hyde, acting director for ICE in Boston, remarked that policies like Connecticut’s Trust Act endanger the communities they are intended to protect. “Sanctuary laws,” she stated, “compel law enforcement to release foreign criminals back into neighborhoods already impacted by crime.” She emphasized the importance of collaboration in keeping Connecticut safer.
During this operation, state and local law enforcement agents often hesitate to engage with ICE due to state laws that obstruct cooperation. Hyde stressed, “Everyone we arrested was breaking federal laws and, importantly, many of them have harmed innocent individuals within their communities.”
Profiles of Some Arrested Individuals
Among those arrested were individuals with serious pasts. Efren Mauricio Guarpa Shashanai, a 43-year-old from Ecuador, faced a conviction for sexual assault dating back to 2008. Reuben Antonio Fuentes, a 35-year-old from El Salvador, had a history of drug-related crimes and child endangerment. Similarly, 24-year-old Alexander Alberto Guerra Avila from Venezuela had multiple charges including stalking and child injury.
Jaime Timoteo Gonzalez Moran, a 37-year-old from Guatemala, previously faced charges for sexual assault, intimidation, and multiple DUIs. Jeremiah Galid Morales, aged 35 from El Salvador, had a track record of robbery and assault.
Moreover, reports indicated that Henry Morales Cante, a 21-year-old from Guatemala, was involved in multiple weapon-related charges. Even younger offenders like 19-year-old Marlon Morales Kante, also from Guatemala, were included for alleged assaults and conspiracy to harm others.
All those detained during Operation Broken Trust are expected to remain in custody as they await deportation proceedings, highlighting ongoing tensions between enforcement practices and state sanctuary laws.
