The Massachusetts GOP (MassGOP) criticized Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for their refusal to cooperate with President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated mass deportation efforts. Despite their statements against working with the Trump administration on immigration, three illegal immigrants were arrested by ICE in Massachusetts on child rape charges. MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale condemned Healey and Wu for prioritizing political appeasement over the safety of residents, claiming that their decisions were contributing to the dangers posed by criminals being released back onto the streets.
The arrests made by ICE included two individuals charged with forcibly raping children in Massachusetts, as well as a third individual who had been convicted of raping a child in Brazil before fleeing to the U.S. When ICE attempted to lodge detainers for these suspects, they were released on bail by local authorities despite the serious crimes they were accused of. The MassGOP emphasized the need for Democrats to put aside political considerations and work with federal authorities to address the concerning trend of dangerous criminals being allowed to roam free in the state.
The suspects arrested by ICE included individuals from Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, with charges ranging from rape of a child to indecent assault and battery. Despite efforts by ICE to hold these individuals in custody, they were released by local authorities before being taken back into custody. MassGOP spokesperson Logan Trupiano highlighted the need for legislative changes to address the loopholes created by a 2017 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which limited cooperation between state courts and ICE detainers.
The immigration issues in Massachusetts reflect broader concerns across the U.S., with House Republicans questioning Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about the thousands of unaccounted migrant children and the vetting process that allowed some minors to be sent to gang members and strip clubs. The MassGOP called for decisive action by the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature to prioritize public safety and pass legislation to address the risks posed by the release of illegal immigrants accused of crimes on bail. The party criticized Healey and Wu for sending a dangerous message by refusing to cooperate with ICE.
Immigration enforcement remains a contentious issue, with Governor Healey stating that individuals who commit violent crimes should be deported. However, her office did not respond to requests for comment on the recent arrests made by ICE. Boston Mayor Wu also did not provide a response to Fox News Digital regarding the arrests of illegal immigrants charged with child rape in Massachusetts. The MassGOP called for a united effort to address the alarming trend of criminals being released back into the community due to the refusal of local authorities to work with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
