DHS Launches “Patriot 2.0” Immigration Enforcement Operation in Massachusetts
The Department of Homeland Security is conducting a surge of immigration-related arrests in Massachusetts, fulfilling its commitment to target immigrants with significant criminal records.
Operation “Patriot 2.0” began last week, building on the “success of Operation Patriot in May,” according to DHS officials who spoke with GBH News. The previous operation resulted in nearly 1,500 arrests. federal authorities stated that over half of those arrested faced significant criminal convictions or charges,but did not provide a detailed breakdown of the numbers.
A DHS spokesperson asserted, “Sanctuary policies like those promoted by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu not only attract adn harbor criminals but also prioritize these public safety threats over law-abiding American citizens.” The spokesperson continued, “[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, and gang members released by local authorities.”
Mayor Wu strongly refuted these claims in a statement.
“As mandated by the Boston Trust Act, Boston police and local resources will not participate in federal immigration enforcement or their mass deportation agenda,” Wu’s statement read. “For months, ICE has declined to share facts about its activities in Boston and refuses to issue warrants. We are receiving reports of ICE agents detaining parents while they drop their children off at school.This does not enhance our community’s safety.”
Wu stated the city expects federal law enforcement to adhere to all applicable laws and warned of potential legal action “if evidence suggests otherwise.”
DHS has not responded to repeated inquiries regarding the number of people detained to date and the specific charges against them. The LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts has confirmed an increase in reports of ICE activity throughout the state since last week.
“We are definitely seeing a noticeable increase in detentions,” said Tania martinez, chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter.
Of the seven calls Martinez received Monday morning at her Lawrence-based law firm, Gomez & Martinez, only one concerned an individual with a criminal record.She indicated they are evaluating each case to determine if individuals qualify for release on bond.