BOSTON — In a significant enforcement operation named Operation Patriot, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and various federal law enforcement partners apprehended nearly 1,500 illegal aliens across Massachusetts. This month-long initiative was primarily focused on tackling transnational organized crime, gangs, and individuals with serious immigration violations. The operation took place throughout May, resulting in the arrest of 1,461 illegal alien offenders.
ICE Boston collaborated with multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the ATF, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. This multi-agency approach was instrumental in enhancing public safety and enforcing immigration laws throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Patricia H. Hyde, the acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston, emphasized the importance of this operation in making Massachusetts a safer place.
“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a safer place today thanks to the hard work and determination of the men and women of ICE and our federal partners,” Hyde stated. “Most of those arrested had significant criminal backgrounds, including murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, and members of violent transnational criminal gangs.”
More than half of those arrested during Operation Patriot had significant criminal convictions or charges. A total of 790 of the offenders were charged with or already convicted of crimes in the U.S. or their home countries. Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol noted the operation's commitment to public safety and national security.
“We are working diligently alongside our fellow law enforcement partners to make our communities safer,” Krol remarked. “Among those arrested are alarming criminals: murderers wanted in their home countries, child predators, and drug traffickers.”
Throughout Operation Patriot, ICE and federal law enforcement agencies specifically targeted egregious criminal alien offenders linked to transnational criminal organizations operating in Massachusetts, including notorious gangs like MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street. FBI Boston's acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka described the operation as a crucial effort to remove habitual lawbreakers who jeopardize community safety.
“Together with our partners, we have identified and removed hundreds of illegal alien offenders from the Commonwealth,” Milka stated, highlighting the operation's focus on apprehending violent criminals and those with international warrants.
ICE and its partners executed numerous apprehensions, including individuals with foreign arrest warrants and Interpol Red Notices. Jennifer De La O, the director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Boston, emphasized the commitment to ensuring that all criminal aliens violating U.S. laws are taken into custody and removed.
“CBP is unwavering in our commitment to protect the American people and make our country safer,” De La O declared.
Many arrests were necessitated by local jurisdictions that refused to comply with immigration detainer requests. This situation required ICE officers to conduct at-large arrests within communities in Massachusetts. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New England acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau expressed pride in supporting these enforcement operations aimed at removing violent criminal aliens.
Among the apprehended individuals were:
A 55-year-old Salvadoran national wanted for aggravated homicide and robbery. A 32-year-old Guatemalan national and registered sex offender facing multiple charges, including aggravated rape of a child. A 37-year-old Honduran national with a recent arrest for rape and indecent assault. A 22-year-old Colombian national charged with aggravated rape and kidnapping. A 39-year-old Honduran national with convictions for child enticement and larceny. A 45-year-old Guatemalan national convicted of murder. A 29-year-old Brazilian national charged with aggravated rape of a child and possession of child pornography. A 48-year-old Salvadoran national with a history of sexual assault offenses.These individuals represent just a fraction of those detained during the operation, and all will remain in ICE custody pending their removal proceedings or deportation from the United States.
ICE encourages the public to report crimes and suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting an online tip form. As the operation demonstrates, federal law enforcement agencies remain committed to enhancing public safety in communities across Massachusetts and the nation.
