Operation Patriot Cracks Down on Massachusetts Sanctuary Cities, Nets 1,461 Arrests

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has concluded its largest-ever operation, “Operation Patriot,” arresting 1,461 illegal aliens in Massachusetts, including 790 individuals with criminal convictions or charges. The month-long operation targeted sanctuary jurisdictions in the Greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts, where hundreds of arrested individuals had previously been released despite ICE detainers. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that the operation aimed to enhance public safety by removing violent offenders, including murderers, child rapists, and drug traffickers.

Among those arrested were individuals with serious crimes, such as a Salvadoran migrant convicted of child rape living near a playground and an illegal alien accused of raping a child with force. ICE faced resistance from Massachusetts leaders, including Governor Maura Healey, who criticized the operation on social media. Healey demanded answers after ICE arrested an 18-year-old illegal alien and Milford High School junior, Marcelo Gomes. In response, Lyons emphasized that ICE will continue to enforce immigration laws, stating, “If sanctuary cities would change their policies…we wouldn’t have to go out to the communities and do this.”

Photo: A Salvadoran illegal migrant convicted of child rape who went to prison and was deported in 2017. He was nabbed living right next to a children’s playground. (Fox News)

The operation highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary cities and immigration enforcement. Former Massachusetts migrant shelter director Jon Fetherston criticized Healey’s policies, saying they create a “climate of lawlessness” and put ICE agents and the public at risk. Operation Patriot demonstrates ICE’s commitment to targeting violent offenders and enhancing community safety, despite local resistance.