U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston has deported a Dominican national, Alixon Romero-Roa, who faced charges of drug trafficking and larceny in Massachusetts. Romero-Roa was removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic on April 8.
"Alixon Romero-Roa illegally entered the United States and immediately engaged in criminal activity," stated Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston. "Romero apparently attempted to peddle poison in our Massachusetts neighborhoods, potentially ruining families and creating victims if allowed to continue. ICE Boston will not allow criminal alien offenders to continue creating victims in our New England communities. We remain steadfast in our duty to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our streets."
Romero-Roa was initially arrested by U.S. Border Patrol on October 3, 2021, after crossing into the country near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Subsequently, he received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on October 22, 2021, to appear before an immigration judge from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
On December 4, 2021, Romero-Roa was apprehended by the Topsfield Police Department and charged with larceny over $250 by single scheme. A DOJ immigration judge ordered his removal on April 27, 2022.
Further legal issues arose when the Boston Police Department arrested him on March 3 for drug possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking. Following this arrest, ICE Boston placed an immigration detainer against him at Nashua Street Jail.
"We are encouraged that our law enforcement partners opted to honor our immigration detainer in this case," Hyde commented. "It is refreshing that the Nashua Street Jail placed a priority on public safety. The alternative would be for ICE to send a team of officers to make an at-large arrest potentially placing the officers, the offender — and most importantly, the community — in harm’s way."
The Nashua Street Jail complied with ICE's detainer request on March 6, releasing Romero into their custody where he was served with a warrant of removal.
ICE continues its mission to enhance public safety across New England communities.
For reporting crimes or suspicious activities related to immigration violations, members of the public can contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or through their online tip form.
