United States: In a monumental enforcement sweep, federal agents under Operation Patriot apprehended 1,461 unauthorized individuals across Massachusetts—marking the most extensive ICE action in US history. The crackdown targeted cities cloaked in sanctuary status, where local cooperation with federal immigration forces has been either minimal or non-existent.
The net cast by ICE stretched across the Greater Boston territory and other urban clusters throughout the state. According to direct sources relayed to Fox News, of those taken into custody, 790 held criminal charges or prior convictions, while 277 had already been issued final deportation rulings. These individuals, many of them linked to grievous offenses like homicide, sexual assault on minors, and narcotics trafficking, had been freely traversing Massachusetts neighborhoods.
The operation unfolded over the course of May and involved collaborative efforts from several law enforcement entities, including FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE agents deployed from surrounding northeastern states, according to reports by Fox News.
During a ground-level embed with Fox News on a Thursday, ICE teams executed multiple high-risk arrests within hours. Among those captured were a convicted killer, two individuals accused of molesting children—one of whom resided next to a public playground—a fentanyl distributor, an adult rapist, and a separate child predator.
Previously, the record for ICE operations was held by Operation Tidal Wave in Florida, with 1,120 arrests. However, sources underscored that Operation Patriot proved far more arduous due to Massachusetts’ refusal to assist or coordinate with ICE efforts—a stark contrast to Florida’s local support.
Insiders confirmed that the sweep was a direct rebuttal to Massachusetts’ leadership, who continue to stonewall federal immigration enforcement. Several hundred of the captured individuals had previously been freed by local jurisdictions that ignored ICE detainers, effectively allowing dangerous offenders to reintegrate into the community.
Further complicating the mission, agents reportedly faced daily hindrances from anti-ICE activist groups, who sought to obstruct detentions and shield individuals from federal custody.
Democratic Governor Maura Healey responded with palpable indignation, particularly after the arrest of 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes—a Milford High School junior and undocumented resident. Her public statement on social media conveyed that she was “disturbed and outraged,” demanding an immediate explanation from ICE officials.
Healey further accused the Trump Administration of instilling dread within immigrant communities, stating it “makes us all less safe,” as per Fox News.
In a follow-up press briefing, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons critiqued Massachusetts’ sanctuary stance, noting, “If local governments would hand over violent offenders instead of setting them loose, there would be no need for us to knock on doors in these neighborhoods.”
Lyons emphasized that the operation underscored ICE’s commitment to safeguarding the public from repeat offenders, “This isn’t a one-time thing. We will keep returning to ensure our neighborhoods are not havens for predators and criminals.”
The same day as Lyons’ remarks, a horrifying arraignment took place involving Lorenzo Lopez Alcario—an undocumented individual charged with the brutal rape of a child. Legal documents revealed the child had been physically restrained during the assault.
Commenting on the overall atmosphere in the state, former migrant shelter director Jon Fetherston voiced grave concern, “Governor Healey’s resistance isn’t just jeopardizing ICE agents—it’s endangering all of us.”
Fetherston concluded that current policies foster “a culture of unchecked lawlessness, shielding even the most egregious offenders from consequence. That’s not kindness—it’s negligence in disguise,” according to reports by Fox News.
Governor Healey’s office declined to provide a statement when contacted by Fox News Digital.