ICE Raids: 1,500 Migrants Detained – Trump Admin
- A recent large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Massachusetts resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,500 migrants. Officials described the sweep as the largest in the...
- Hyde, the ICE Field Office Director for Massachusetts, reported that 1,461 individuals were taken into custody during May.
- Leah Foley, the U.S.Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, highlighted the severity of the crimes committed by some of those arrested. She noted that some individuals were involved...
Massachusetts ICE Sweep Nets Nearly 1,500 Migrant Arrests
Updated June 2, 2025
A recent large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Massachusetts resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,500 migrants. Officials described the sweep as the largest in the state to date, igniting debate over immigration enforcement and migrant arrests.
patricia H. Hyde, the ICE Field Office Director for Massachusetts, reported that 1,461 individuals were taken into custody during May. Of those, 277 have already been deported, and 790 had prior criminal records. The arrests targeted individuals involved in various offenses, including drug trafficking and firearms violations.
Leah Foley, the U.S.Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, highlighted the severity of the crimes committed by some of those arrested. She noted that some individuals were involved in pumping narcotics into communities, trafficking firearms, defrauding government programs, and exploiting children. Foley stated that these individuals “crossed a line and jeopardized the safety of Massachusetts.”
Todd Lyons, ICE director, praised the “hundreds of brave officers” who carried out the operation, emphasizing the risks they face daily. Lyons,a Boston native,indicated that those arrested included convicted murderers and sex offenders.
The announcement of the sweep followed several ICE detainments in the Boston area, including the arrest of Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an 18-year-old high school student. Da Silva’s arrest sparked immediate protests and drew criticism from public officials.
Da Silva’s coach, Andrew Mainini, described him as an “exceptional citizen.” he was arrested while en route to volleyball practice with teammates. Mainini learned of the arrest via text message from a student who witnessed the event.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey expressed frustration and demanded answers from ICE regarding da Silva’s arrest. She criticized the Trump administration,stating that its policies “continue to create fear in our communities,and it’s making us all less safe.”
Earlier in May, an anti-ICE protest in Worcester turned violent. Demonstrators clashed with ICE agents, resulting in two arrests. One woman was arrested after allegedly kicking an ICE vehicle after handing her baby to another protestor. Ashley Spring,38,was also arrested for allegedly throwing an “unknown liquid” at officers.
According to U.S.Customs and Border Protection statistics, 5,178 illegal migrants have been arrested nationwide as of April.
What’s next
The debate surrounding immigration enforcement and migrant arrests is expected to continue in Massachusetts and across the country. Further legal challenges and political actions are anticipated as communities grapple with the impact of these policies.