U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with its federal partners, carried out a month-long operation that resulted in the detention of nearly 1,500 individuals with illegal immigration status in Massachusetts, as announced during a press conference. The operation, named “Operation Patriot,” primarily targeted transnational organized crime, gangs, and criminals with serious prior offenses.
During May, ICE Boston worked in collaboration with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Coast Guard, apprehending 1,461 immigration violators. Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ICE in Boston, emphasized that many of those detained had significant prior criminal records.
One of the main collaborators in the operation was CBP, the agency that helped capture criminals whom some local governments had released, by not complying with immigration detainer requests. Jennifer De La O, CBP’s director of field operations in Boston, reaffirmed the commitment to protect the population and take actions to ensure the detention and removal of illegal criminals.
Authorities Arrest International Criminals
More than half of those detained, 790 individuals, faced charges or convictions for crimes in the United States or abroad. Michael J. Krol, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, highlighted that those arrested included dangerous criminals such as murderers wanted in their home countries, drug traffickers, and sex offenders.
According to FBI Boston, led by acting special agent Kimberly Milka, the operation focused on removing habitual offenders who disregard U.S. immigration laws. These detentions included members of the gangs MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street. In addition to domestic charges, several of those detained were processed under foreign arrest warrants and Interpol red notices.
Agents from the DEA who supported the operation, as stated by acting special agent Stephen Belleau, focused on drug investigations related to violent criminals and designated foreign terrorist organizations. The DEA’s mission is to remove dangerous drugs and bring those responsible for drug trafficking to justice.
Notable Cases Among the Detentions
Among those detained during “Operation Patriot” is a 55-year-old Salvadoran citizen with an Interpol red notice for aggravated homicide, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Another individual, a 32-year-old Guatemalan, was arrested on charges of sexual assault and human trafficking in Roxbury.
These are just a few examples of individuals released in various jurisdictions despite prior ICE immigration detainer requests. Additionally, a Honduran citizen was arrested in Fall River for multiple sex crimes. Meanwhile, another Colombian, 22, was released back into the community despite facing serious charges in Massachusetts.
The Future of the Detained Migrants
In total, 277 of the individuals detained had previously received deportation orders but remained in the country in violation of those orders. James Ferguson, special agent in charge of ATF Boston, indicated that they will continue to support these initiatives to keep communities safe. ICE employed enhanced enforcement tactics, including simultaneous operations in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Each person arrested will remain in ICE custody pending removal or deportation proceedings, according to ICE. Authorities noted that interagency collaboration will continue to identify and process those who violate U.S. immigration and security laws.
Additionally, the Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of special agent Matthew O’Brien, reiterated its commitment to these joint operations that strengthen national security. Those with arrest warrants or convictions in their home countries, including charges for drug trafficking or murder, will be referred to their respective judicial systems.
Image: Infobae
