U.S. Attorney Leah Foley Critiques Mayor Wu’s Comments on Immigration Enforcement
In a recent escalation between federal and local officials, Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley condemned Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for her "reckless and inflammatory" remarks regarding federal immigration authorities, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In an interview with WBUR, Wu characterized ICE agents as "secret police," eliciting Foley’s strong rebuttal that labeled the mayor’s wording as "offensive" and a "gross misrepresentation."
Foley defended ICE operations, stating that agents execute immigration arrests within legal parameters and often wear masks due to safety concerns stemming from threats against them and their families. "There are no secret police," Foley emphasized, countering Wu’s depiction of agents "snatching people off the street."
Wu, a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, claimed that ICE’s actions have instilled fear among immigrant communities, calling the ongoing enforcement efforts "harmful." She also pointed out that Boston is entangled in multiple lawsuits against federal authorities, as the city strives to maintain its sanctuary status and limit cooperation with ICE.
Federal immigration efforts intensified recently with “Operation Patriot,” leading to the arrest of nearly 1,500 undocumented individuals in Massachusetts, a move met with mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While Republicans laud the efforts, Democrats have voiced concerns about the implications for immigrants’ rights.
Foley criticized any attempts to disrupt ICE operations and warned officials against hindering federal law enforcement. Her remarks came amid heightened tension surrounding immigration policies, with many local leaders rallying against what they describe as a cruel and terrorizing approach from the federal government.
As the situation develops, Wu’s office has yet to respond to Foley’s assertions.
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