Brazilian illegal immigrants arrested in Massachusetts
A Brazilian citizen living in the United States illegally, and wanted in his home country for drug trafficking, was recently arrested by federal authorities in a Massachusetts sanctuary city near Boston. The unidentified suspect, who crossed into the U.S. through El Paso, Texas in 2022, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Somerville.
The arrest comes at a time when Somerville is set to vote on a resolution to reaffirm its sanctuary status, and potentially provide taxpayer-funded legal services to illegal immigrants. The city’s police department has also committed to not cooperating with ICE in the detention of illegal migrants.
According to ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde, the Brazilian individual is accused of serious crimes in Brazil. Despite facing charges back home for drug trafficking, he was released into the U.S. after crossing the border in Texas. He was ordered deported in January, with a failed appeal, and a final order of removal in June.
In addition to the Brazilian citizen, a Dominican national named Belardis Tapia Gonzalez was also arrested in Massachusetts. Gonzalez entered the U.S. illegally in July 2021 and is charged with child molestation/sexual assault in Rhode Island. He was arrested just outside Boston in the city of Lynn on Monday.
Furthermore, a Salvadoran MS-13 gang member who entered the U.S. illegally was convicted of assault in the state. Despite ICE placing a detainer on him with Northampton District Court, he was released into the community without federal immigration authorities being notified. He was eventually arrested in Northampton.
State Democrats Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have faced criticism for their opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Healey has vowed that her state police will not cooperate with the expected mass deportation effort by the incoming Trump administration.
Mayor Wu also stated that her city will not cooperate with the looming mass deportation operation, despite the region seeing a number of illegal immigrants with criminal charges being released back onto the streets.
The Massachusetts Republican Party (MassGOP) has criticized Healey and Wu for prioritizing politics over public safety in light of the recent arrests of criminal illegal immigrants. MassGOP chairwoman Amy Carnevale expressed concern over individuals charged with serious crimes being allowed to roam free due to local authorities refusing to work with ICE.
Overall, the arrests in Massachusetts highlight the ongoing debate surrounding sanctuary cities and immigration enforcement efforts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how state and local officials will navigate the complex intersection of politics, public safety, and immigration policy.
