U.S. Department of Homeland Security Critiques Massachusetts Sanctuary Policy

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed strong disapproval of Massachusetts’ sanctuary policies after local authorities released an undocumented immigrant who later allegedly assaulted a man with a baseball bat. The individual, Dhaval Amratbhai Patel, originally from India, was apprehended by Worcester police on May 16 and charged with assault and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Reports indicate that an argument at the liquor store where Patel worked spiraled out of control, resulting in him using a baseball bat to strike a customer.

Officials from DHS highlighted that the Massachusetts authorities did not inform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before releasing Patel, which they view as a failure to collaborate on enforcement. ICE arrested Patel two days later, on May 18.

Lauren Biss, the acting DHS assistant secretary, stated, “This illegal alien from India thought he could go around beating people up with a baseball bat. After he was arrested for assault and assault with a dangerous weapon, sanctuary politicians released him from jail.” She emphasized the need for sanctuary jurisdictions to stop opting to release criminals and instead cooperate with DHS to ensure public safety.

Biss further remarked that by not cooperating with ICE, these sanctuary politicians are potentially endangering public safety.

At this point, it remains uncertain when or where Patel entered the United States illegally. Additionally, neither the Worcester Police Department nor the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has responded to requests for comment.