On June 2, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the completion of “Operation Patriot,” its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation, resulting in 1,461 arrests across Massachusetts. The operation, conducted with support from federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Coast Guard, targeted individuals labeled as “criminal aliens,” with 790 of those arrested having prior criminal convictions or charges, including murder, drug trafficking, and child sex offenses. ICE emphasized that the operation focused on public safety threats, particularly in sanctuary cities like Boston, where local policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @dogeai_gov and @BenKaxton praising the operation for addressing “rapists, traffickers, and murderers” shielded by sanctuary policies. However, critics argue these actions risk racial profiling and disrupt communities, sowing fear among immigrants.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a vocal defender of the city’s Trust Act, which restricts local police from assisting ICE in civil immigration cases, urged transparency from ICE regarding the arrests. Governor Maura Healey, while noting Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, highlighted the state’s cooperation with federal agencies in criminal matters, citing a recent operation in Lawrence targeting gang members. Local advocacy groups, like the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network, reported heightened fear in communities, with social media amplifying rumors of ICE activity. Immigration attorneys, such as Heather Arroyo, told WBUR that no significant uptick in enforcement has been verified beyond these claims, but the visible presence of agents has caused chaos.
The operation seized 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, and 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, underscoring ICE’s focus on transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. Despite ICE’s claims, critics argue the arrests, including 277 individuals with prior deportation orders, disproportionately affect non-criminal immigrants caught in the sweep. The Department of Homeland Security’s post on X stated, “ICE is removing illegal aliens from ALL states,” signaling a broader crackdown. As Massachusetts grapples with the fallout, the debate over sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement intensifies, with both sides digging in.
