ICE arrests 19 criminal aliens with drug offenses throughout Massachusetts

BOSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested 19 individuals in several counties throughout Massachusetts during a four-day enforcement action, targeting criminal aliens who have been convicted or charged with fentanyl, heroin, and other drug-related trafficking crimes. Many of these criminal aliens were released from local law enforcement custody into Massachusetts communities with no notification to ICE.

Those arrested during the enforcement action hail from seven different countries – Bahamas (1), Brazil (4), Cape Verde (4), Dominican Republic (6), France (1), Guatemala (1), Haiti (2).

“ERO deportation officers are committed to enforcing immigration laws fairly and professionally, while protecting the neighborhoods of the Commonwealth,” said Deputy Field Office Director Todd Lyons for ICE ERO Boston. “This operation clearly shows that ICE’s enforcement efforts continue to target criminal aliens with serious drug offenses who clearly represent a threat to public safety.”

On Nov. 3, ICE arrested a Cape Verde national in Brockton. He has multiple prior convictions for crack cocaine, breaking and entering (2 counts), possession of cocaine and heroin, and vandalism prison property, among others. He was released from state custody on or about in March, though an ICE detainer was on file with local authorities. He will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration court hearing.

On Nov. 4, ICE arrested a Brazilian national in Weymouth. She has pending charges of assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous. She will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

On Nov. 4, ICE arrested a fugitive alien from Cape Verde in Brockton. He has a conviction for cocaine distribution and was ordered removed from the United States in 2011 but failed to depart. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal.

On Nov. 4, ICE arrested a Dominican national in Lowell. He has pending charges for trafficking cocaine and false identity, was removed from the country in 2018 and illegally reentered. He has been charged in federal court with reentry after deportation, a federal felony which carries a maximum prison term of up to 20 years. He is currently in U.S. Marshals Service custody.

On Nov. 4, ICE arrested a Cape Verde national in Brockton. He has convictions for possession of cocaine and oxycodone with intent to distribute and convictions for firearms and will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings.