ICE arrests 370 migrants over five days throughout Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and various law enforcement arrested 370 illegal migrant criminal offenders in Massachusetts from March 18-23, according to a statement from ICE.

ICE said that it targeted “egregious criminal alien offenders” during this period, including transnational criminal organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios and 18th Street gangs.

“This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in transnational gangs, drug traffickers, child predators, violent criminals and dangerous individuals living in New England,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol.

205 individuals arrested had “significant criminal convictions and charges,” according to ICE, and six were foreign fugitives.

ICE said that during the operation, officials seized various amounts of methamphetamines, fentanyl, cocaine and firearms and ammunition.

ICE also stated that many of the arrests were made after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests, and “instead chose to release aliens from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.”

Among those arrested was a Guatemalan migrant charged with rape and convicted of enticing a minor under the age of 16, according to ICE.

ICE said that this migrant was released by New Bedford District Court without the ICE detainer being honored.

ABC6 has reached out to New Bedford District Court for comment in this matter.