Massachusetts sanctuary policies are enabling the release of violent criminals back onto the streets despite federal detainer requests to hold them for deportation.

At a Glance

• ICE has arrested multiple illegal immigrants with serious criminal records who were released by Massachusetts authorities due to sanctuary policies
• Arrests included individuals convicted of solicitation to commit murder, assault and battery, and drug trafficking
• DHS officials claim sanctuary policies are “playing Russian roulette with American lives”
• Massachusetts court officials maintain they lack legal authority to hold individuals solely on federal immigration detainers
• Recent ICE operations in Worcester sparked community protests and confrontations

Criminal Aliens Released Despite Federal Detainers

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have conducted a series of targeted arrests across Massachusetts, apprehending illegal immigrants who were previously released from custody despite federal detainer requests. These individuals, many with serious criminal histories, were set free by local authorities adhering to the state’s sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The operations highlight the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local jurisdictions that have implemented policies restricting cooperation with ICE.

According to federal officials, the arrests included individuals convicted of solicitation to commit murder, assault and battery, and drug trafficking offenses. These criminal aliens had been released back into Massachusetts communities after local authorities disregarded ICE detainer requests that would have allowed federal agents to take them into custody for potential deportation proceedings. The detainers are formal requests from ICE asking local law enforcement to hold individuals for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release to allow federal agents time to take custody.

DHS Officials Criticize Sanctuary Policies

Department of Homeland Security officials have issued sharp criticisms of Massachusetts’ sanctuary policies, arguing they jeopardize public safety by allowing potentially dangerous individuals to remain in communities. The conflict exemplifies the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement priorities and the role of state and local authorities in federal immigration matters. Critics of sanctuary policies point to cases where released individuals have gone on to commit additional crimes, while defenders maintain that such policies are necessary to maintain community trust in law enforcement.

“Despite sanctuary politicians and activists trying to disrupt ICE operations, our brave law enforcement removed gang members, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals from Massachusetts’ streets. Some of these arrests included criminal aliens who were released by local authorities because of radical sanctuary policies. These sanctuary politicians are playing Russian roulette with American lives. While Massachusetts leaders release criminal aliens onto America’s streets, President Trump and Secretary Noem are arresting them and getting them out of our country.”, said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

The controversy has intensified following recent high-profile ICE operations in Worcester, Massachusetts that led to confrontations between federal agents and community members. Videos show crowds gathering and attempting to interfere with arrests, leading to additional tensions and several arrests of protesters. These incidents illustrate the polarized nature of immigration enforcement and the strong emotions it evokes in affected communities.

Todd Bensman On the State of Mass Deportation

President Trump’s administration faces challenges but has made progress in these early months to fulfill his mass deportation mandate. Bensman told OAN’s Garrett Ziegler about the difficulties an attenuated ICE faces in targeting,… pic.twitter.com/nfS1NVmHVt

— Kimberly “Kim” Wexler MA JD (@KimWexlerMAJD) May 7, 2025

Legal Conflict Between State and Federal Authorities

Massachusetts court officials defend their position by citing state law, which they claim prohibits them from holding individuals solely based on immigration detainers. This legal stance has created a persistent conflict between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement responsibilities. The state maintains that immigration detainers are civil administrative documents that do not provide the legal basis for detention that would be required under Massachusetts law.

According to a Massachusetts court spokesperson: “Massachusetts court officials do not have the legal authority and are therefore prohibited from holding an individual in custody solely on the basis of a Federal Civil Immigration Detainer.”

ICE officials counter that their operations focus on public safety threats rather than indiscriminate enforcement. Todd Lyons, a regional ICE official, emphasized the targeted nature of their work: “ICE doesn’t do blanket sweeps. We don’t do large-scale roundups. Every individual that’s here today has come to our attention because they’ve been arrested by a local municipality for a felony or an egregious crime.” The operations require significant resources and planning, with agents conducting surveillance and coordinating multiple personnel to execute arrests.

Broader Immigration Enforcement Challenges

The situation in Massachusetts reflects broader challenges facing immigration enforcement nationwide. ICE operations are hampered by budget constraints, with the agency facing a reported $230 million shortfall that limits detention capacity and operational resources. Additionally, the lack of cooperation from sanctuary jurisdictions forces agents to locate and arrest individuals in communities rather than in the more controlled environment of jails and correctional facilities, potentially increasing risks to officers, targets, and bystanders.

“What we are focused on is public safety and national security threats.”, said Todd Lyons.

The contentious nature of these operations was evident in Worcester, where hundreds of protesters gathered following ICE arrests in the community. The demonstrations underscore the deeply divided perspectives on immigration enforcement policies and their impact on communities. As federal authorities continue to target criminal aliens for removal despite sanctuary policies, the conflict between state and federal priorities shows no signs of resolution in the near term.