ICE official warns Massachusetts and Boston politicians about criminals returning to sanctuary cities

The sanctuary city movement in Massachusetts is being criticized by Todd Lyons, the acting assistant director of field operations for ICE, who claims that sanctuary cities are making it easier for sex offenders and drug dealers to victimize the immigrant community. Despite the incoming Trump administration’s focus on deporting illegal immigrant criminals, enforcement starts at the local level, and sanctuary cities like Boston and Somerville are hindering ICE’s efforts. Lyons stressed the importance of local law enforcement working with ICE to keep communities safe from dangerous individuals. He emphasized that ICE lacks the resources needed to focus on the worst offenders due to political rhetoric and sanctuary city policies. Lyons called on officials to understand that ICE is a vital public safety partner and urged cooperation to make arrests of individuals already in custody. By working together in a controlled environment, he believes everyone will be safer. This debate comes as Lyons is considered for a leadership position within ICE under the new administration.

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