Major Immigration Operation in Massachusetts: Nearly 1,500 Seized
Massachusetts — In a significant enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended 1,461 suspected undocumented immigrants last month during “Operation Patriot.” The announcement was made at a press conference by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, and Patricia Hyde, Director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston.
Hyde indicated that over half of those detained were “criminal alien offenders,” with around 277 previously ordered removed from the U.S. by a Justice Department judge. The officials provided minimal details on the individuals and their alleged offenses but displayed photos of 14 individuals identified as “dangerous criminal aliens.”
Throughout the operation, ICE targeted areas known for high crime rates, emphasizing the danger posed by some of the arrested individuals. “All made the mistake of attempting to subvert justice by hiding,” Hyde stated.
The operation has sparked backlash, particularly after the arrest of an 18-year-old student in Milford, detained while targeting his father. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned this incident as “terrible,” asserting that the teen should be released unless credible criminal involvement is established. Healey criticized ICE’s practices, highlighting discrepancies between its stated objectives and reality.
Lyons defended ICE, arguing that its actions were justified due to perceived lack of cooperation from Massachusetts cities. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety and pointed out that sanctuary city policies complicate immigrant enforcement.
While both ICE officials and Governor Healey agree on the need to remove dangerous criminals, Healey urged greater transparency from ICE regarding its apprehension tactics and the identities and charges of those detained.
As the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies, the state grapples with the implications of ICE’s aggressive operations amid calls for due process and community trust.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
