ICE Detains Nearly 1,500 Undocumented Immigrants in Boston Sweep
Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported the detention of about 1,500 undocumented immigrants during a large-scale operation in the Boston region.
This initiative spanned a month and was described as targeting cross-border organized crime, gangs, and serious offenders. A statement was released on June 2nd.
An official emphasized that Massachusetts is now a safer place due to the collaborative efforts of ICE agents and federal partners. They successfully arrested nearly 1,500 undocumented individuals across the state, many of whom had committed significant crimes either in the U.S. or abroad.
The official warned that for foreign criminals exploiting Massachusetts residents, ICE remains vigilant. “We are here to enforce the law,” they stated.
According to ICE, the joint operation, named “Operation Patriot,” culminated in the detention of 1,461 individuals in violation of immigration laws.
Additionally, the official stated that undocumented immigrants would no longer find refuge in so-called sanctuary areas.
“It’s true that everyone arrested had violated our immigration laws, but many of them have serious criminal histories. These are individuals who have endangered innocent lives, including murderers, rapists, and members of violent crime gangs operating overseas,” the official added.
Various agencies joined ICE in Operation Patriot, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, FBI, DEA, and diplomatic security services.
ICE also reminded the public to report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using their online tip form.
The detainees included nationals from Guatemala, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.
Many of those arrested were already engaged in unlawful activities, with convictions for robbery, murder, trafficking, and other serious crimes.
A Massachusetts attorney warned illegal immigrants about the consequences of their actions. “When individuals choose to engage in crime, like trafficking fentanyl or selling firearms to gangs, they are not immigrants; they are criminals,” the attorney stated.
