Boston Mayor Compares ICE to Neo-Nazi Group
Democrat Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, made a controversial comparison on Wednesday, likening Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to a neo-Nazi group operating in New England.
During a discussion, Wu challenged the notion that law enforcement organizations might wear masks regularly, specifically mentioning the neo-Nazi group NSC-131. When pressed by reporters about whether she was equating ICE with this group, she didn’t refute the implication, noting that the Boston police and local law enforcement do not typically wear masks.
“I’m not aware of police stations where masks are worn all the time. But there are definitely groups who do—like NSC-131,” Wu stated.
Further inquiries prompted Wu to mention her previous efforts in local governance. She has had ongoing disputes with federal immigration authorities, particularly since President Trump reaffirmed Boston’s status as a sanctuary city during his second term. In a report, an ICE spokesperson indicated that Boston had declined to comply with 198 requests for detainers on illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes throughout 2024.
As the Trump administration intensified its focus on illegal immigration, Wu was among several Democratic mayors who testified before the House Oversight Committee on March 5th. She was asked whether Boston would cooperate with federal agents regarding illegal immigrants with criminal histories but found it challenging to provide a clear answer, responding to committee chairman James Komer with caution.
“Boston police will enforce any criminal warrants and hold individuals accountable,” Wu asserted.
In her “city state” speech on March 19, Wu defended Boston’s stance on not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, which drew criticism from Trump, who accused her of prioritizing violent criminals and labeled her a “radical mayor.”
Interestingly, Wu’s 2021 mayoral campaign was notably supported by Gary Yu, who is associated with the Chinese Civic Association. Reports indicate that he contributed over $300,000 to her campaign. Yu, listed as a staff member by a Chinese Communist Party agency, has been active in organizing Chinese-Americans in Massachusetts and has donated substantial amounts to various Democratic candidates since 2018.
