ICE Arrests Criminal Migrants in Boston, Governor Healey Supports Apprehensions

BOSTON, Mass. — Federal immigration agents arrested multiple migrants with criminal charges in Boston this week, including members of the MS-13 gang, suspects with Interpol Red Notices, and a Haitian gang member with 18 prior convictions. The arrests, witnessed by Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin, come amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement policies.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, expressed support for the arrests, stating that she backs “the apprehension of criminals in our communities.” Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Healey emphasized that criminal activity, regardless of immigration status, warrants accountability. “Whether you’re documented or undocumented, you commit crimes, you’re subject to investigation and prosecution,” she said.

Healey clarified that she would not characterize the operations as “raids,” but rather as targeted actions against individuals posing public safety risks. Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, though a 2017 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling limits local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Healey has previously opposed mass deportation efforts, stating in November that her administration would use “every tool in the toolbox” to protect residents.

Among those arrested was a Haitian gang member who shouted, “F— Trump, Biden forever!” during his apprehension. The arrests align with the Trump administration’s push to prioritize deportations of individuals deemed public safety threats. However, Healey has maintained her opposition to broad-based immigration crackdowns, emphasizing that undocumented individuals without criminal records should not be targeted.

Republican state lawmakers, including Reps. Michael Soter and Kenneth Sweezey, introduced a bill on Friday to enhance cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. The proposed legislation, titled “An Act to promote and protect safety in the Commonwealth,” would allow police to detain undocumented immigrants for up to 36 hours. Sweezey described the bill as a “common-sense first step” to address what he called an “out-of-control” immigration issue in Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, asserting that state and local law enforcement cannot be compelled to assist in federal immigration enforcement. In a social media post, Campbell warned that state attorneys general would respond if federal actions violated constitutional boundaries.

The arrests and ensuing political debate highlight the ongoing national divide over immigration enforcement. As the Trump administration moves forward with its deportation plans, Massachusetts remains a focal point for both support and resistance to federal immigration policies.