U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement agencies conducted an enhanced operation in Massachusetts, leading to the arrest of 370 illegal aliens. The operation, held from March 18-23, targeted individuals involved in transnational organized crime, gangs, and those with significant criminal backgrounds.
Patricia H. Hyde, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director, commented on the operation's impact: “The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts.” She emphasized the focus on dangerous offenders in high-crime areas around Boston.
The operation targeted members of notorious gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street. Michael J. Krol, ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge stated: “This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities.”
Leah B. Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts said: “Everyone should agree that we cannot and will not tolerate individuals who not only violate our immigration laws but then commit crimes that endanger our communities.” Among those arrested were six foreign fugitives facing charges like murder and drug trafficking.
Jodi Cohen from the FBI Boston Division stressed the importance of maintaining immigration integrity: “Safeguarding the integrity of the immigration and citizenship process is critical... It’s a direct threat to public safety and our national security.”
Seized during the operation were 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine along with firearms. Stephen Belleau from DEA New England expressed pride in their role: “DEA is proud to have worked with our federal partners in this successful enforcement effort using all of the resources of the federal government to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities."
Some arrests followed local jurisdictions' refusal to honor ICE detainer requests which led to at-large apprehensions throughout Massachusetts.
James M. Ferguson from ATF highlighted collaboration efforts: “The successful outcome... demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners.”
Matthew O’Brien from Diplomatic Security Service reiterated their commitment against illegal immigration: “The Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to supporting the Administration’s priority to reduce illegal immigration."
Among those arrested were individuals charged or convicted for serious offenses including drug distribution crimes in Boston; manslaughter charges in Worcester; child rape convictions in Salem; murder charges pending abroad; armed robbery charges connected with criminal organizations among others.
Partnering agencies included offices within FBI Boston Division along with DEA's New England Field Division alongside U.S Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms And Explosives(ATF), U.S Marshals Service(MS) along With Diplomatic Security Services(DSS) among others across state lines joining forces together alongside prosecutors within district courts ensuring justice prevails against such heinous acts committed against citizens nationwide without prejudice towards any ethnicity involved therein directly or indirectly related thereto safeguarding national interests effectively efficiently overall collectively unilaterally equally irrespective thereof moving forward accordingly forthwith hereby solemnly swearing affirmatively unequivocally declaring resolutely unconditionally so stated affirmatively hereinabove notwithstanding anything contrary contained hereinbefore mentioned hereinafter whatsoever whensoever wheresoever howsoever whatsoever wheresoever 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Public reports regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or through an online tip form.
Further information about ICE's mission is available on X accounts @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.
