BOSTON — In a significant crackdown on transnational organized crime, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation conducted from March 18-23. This operation focused on individuals involved in gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and serious criminal offenses, marking a decisive effort to enhance public safety in the region.
“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,” stated Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston. She emphasized that the operation targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in crime-ridden neighborhoods in and around Boston, leading to a total of 370 arrests across the commonwealth.
Hyde affirmed, “ICE and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the homeland by eradicating transnational criminal organizations and dismantling dangerous gangs that prey on the American public.”
During this six-day operation, ICE and its federal partners specifically aimed at apprehending egregious criminal alien offenders. The operation zeroed in on known transnational criminal organizations operating in and around Boston, including notorious gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street.
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New England, remarked, “This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS, and CBP demonstrate our whole-of-government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in gangs, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes.”
Out of the 370 individuals arrested, 205 had significant criminal convictions or charges. Among these, six were foreign fugitives facing serious allegations such as murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering. U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Leah B. Foley, stated, “We cannot and will not tolerate individuals who violate our immigration laws and commit crimes that endanger our communities.”
Law enforcement officials seized approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, as well as three firearms and ammunition during the operation. Stephen Belleau, acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New England Field Division, expressed pride in collaborating with federal partners to remove violent criminal aliens from communities. “DEA’s mission is to keep the American public safe by seizing deadly drugs before they infiltrate our neighborhoods,” he stated.
ICE and their federal law enforcement partners conducted many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions declined to honor immigration detainer requests, leading to at-large arrests within Massachusetts communities. James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, commented on the operation's successful outcome, highlighting the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement partners in targeting individuals posing threats to public safety.
Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office, added, “This enhanced operation definitively made our communities safer. We proudly coordinate with U.S. and international law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration.”
Some of the notable arrests included:
A Dominican alien charged with multiple drug distribution crimes, arrested in Boston. A Chilean alien convicted of indecent assault on a child, arrested in Marlborough. A Brazilian alien charged with manslaughter and homicide, arrested in Worcester. A Honduran alien convicted of rape of a child, arrested in Salem. A Salvadoran alien, a documented 18th Street gang member, arrested in Wakefield. A Jamaican alien convicted of armed robbery and drug possession, arrested in Pittsfield.Public cooperation is essential in ensuring the safety of communities. Individuals can report crimes and suspicious activities by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement continue to prioritize the safety and security of communities across Massachusetts.
