U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a large-scale operation in Massachusetts, arresting 370 individuals identified as “alien offenders.”
The six-day operation, which ran from March 18 to March 23, targeted transnational criminal organizations and individuals with serious criminal records in the Boston area.
According to ICE, 205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges, including murder, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The agency emphasized that the operation focused on dismantling criminal groups such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
“The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde said in a press release.
This crackdown comes amid renewed immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump.
Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” previously signaled plans to intensify operations in sanctuary cities like Boston. “Public safety demands we target and remove the worst offenders,” Homan said.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary policies, vowing to protect undocumented residents.
“Boston will not cooperate with ICE,” she stated, a stance that has sparked criticism from conservatives who argue that such policies shield dangerous criminals.
The operation has intensified the debate between federal immigration authorities and local officials resisting deportation efforts. ICE officials defended the arrests, stating that the agency remains committed to removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
The recent enforcement action highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policy, with Massachusetts emerging as a key battleground between state and federal authorities.
ICE has not ruled out future operations in the region, citing the continued presence of criminal organizations.