ICE Boston Operations Result in Hundreds of Arrests of Criminal Migrants

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin recently provided further insights from his continued ride-along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston, highlighting ongoing enforcement actions against individuals deemed public safety threats. These operations, which Fox News has exclusively embedded with, have led to the arrests of hundreds of criminal migrants across the greater Boston area in recent months. The agency has specifically targeted individuals with histories of violent crimes, including murder, child rape, and gang affiliation.

During these operations, ICE agents have apprehended individuals sought for egregious offenses, including a Salvadoran immigrant convicted of child rape who was living near a playground after a prior deportation. Other arrests included an individual on El Salvador’s most wanted list with an Interpol Red Notice for aggravated murder and kidnapping, and a Haitian gang member with 17 prior convictions. Fox News reported witnessing eight arrests in one specific ride-along, including MS-13 gang members and those facing drug trafficking charges.

Patricia Hyde, head of ICE Boston, emphasized the necessity of these actions, stating that due to "open border policies," many individuals previously deported for heinous crimes have returned. "We're not going away. It might take us longer. It might be harder, but we're not going away, we're here," Hyde affirmed, underscoring the agency's commitment to its mission. ICE has also brought in teams from other parts of the country to assist with the sweeping operations.

The enforcement efforts have reportedly faced challenges, particularly in "sanctuary jurisdictions" where local authorities may not cooperate with federal immigration detainers. Activists have also attempted to interfere with arrests, according to ICE officials. Tom Homan, a former acting ICE director and "border czar," noted that "collateral" arrests—where individuals not initially targeted are apprehended for being in the U.S. illegally—are common in such areas.

These operations align with the Trump administration's broader push for enhanced immigration enforcement and mass deportations, prioritizing individuals with criminal records. The administration has stated its intent to continue these efforts despite pushback from some local lawmakers and advocacy groups. The focus remains on removing those identified as significant public safety risks from communities.