In a sweeping monthlong enforcement action dubbed Operation Patriot, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with federal law enforcement partners, arrested 1,461 individuals unlawfully present in the United States across Massachusetts — many with serious criminal histories.
The coordinated operation, carried out throughout May, focused on targeting individuals tied to transnational criminal organizations, gangs, and violent offenses. Agencies involved included the FBI, U.S. Marshals, CBP, ATF, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Diplomatic Security Service, among others.
“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a safer place today,” said Patricia H. Hyde, ICE Boston Acting Field Office Director. “These individuals include rapists, murderers, child sex predators, and drug traffickers — all of whom were in violation of U.S. immigration laws and posed a danger to our communities.”
More than half of those arrested had serious criminal convictions or pending charges. ICE confirmed that 790 of the individuals had been charged with or convicted of crimes in the U.S. or abroad, and 277 had already been ordered removed by an immigration judge but failed to comply.
Notable Arrests Include:
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A 55-year-old Salvadoran national wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, kidnapping, and robbery. Arrested in Lynn.
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A 32-year-old Guatemalan sex offender, facing charges in Boston for sexual servitude and rape of a minor. Arrested in Roxbury after detainers were ignored.
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A 37-year-old Honduran man with multiple sexual assault charges and past DUI convictions in Massachusetts and Iowa. Arrested in Fall River.
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A 22-year-old Colombian national facing aggravated rape and kidnapping charges. Released by local officials despite ICE detainer.
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A 45-year-old Guatemalan convicted of murder in Boston and serving a life sentence.
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A 29-year-old Brazilian charged with child rape and pornography possession. Arrested in Edgartown.
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A 48-year-old Salvadoran facing multiple child rape and lewdness charges.
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A 40-year-old Guatemalan, arrested in Lynn, charged with assault with a hammer and strangulation.
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A 32-year-old Brazilian national with an Interpol Red Notice for drug trafficking who threw a brick of cocaine at Brazilian military police while fleeing arrest.
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A 24-year-old Brazilian wanted for murder by Brazilian authorities.
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A 39-year-old Honduran convicted of child enticement and larceny in both Lynn and Stoughton.
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A Colombian national convicted of attempting to hire a hitman, previously released from prison despite ICE detainer.
ICE officers also arrested about 40 individuals on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard with help from the U.S. Coast Guard, including a child predator and a gang member.
Officials say many arrests were made in the field after local jurisdictions refused to cooperate with ICE detainer requests.
“Our communities deserve to be protected from those who commit violent crimes and evade justice,” said FBI Boston Acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka.
All individuals arrested during Operation Patriot remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings or deportation.
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