Latest news with #LeahFoley
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Boston mayor blasted over ICE comments
Published: | Updated: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is facing backlash following 'reckless and inflammatory' comments about federal immigration authorities, who have been detaining immigrants across Massachusetts in recent weeks. The mayor, often referred to as the 'Democratic dictator' for her progressive policies, ignited controversy after an on-air interview in which she described US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as 'secret police' who are 'terrorizing' people in Boston. In her interview at the WBUR Festival on Friday, Wu, 40, said, 'People are terrified for their lives and for their neighbors. Folks are getting snatched off the street by secret police who are wearing masks, who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then detained.' Her remarks prompted a swift response from US Attorney Leah Foley, who condemned the mayor for 'inciting hostility' against federal agents. 'During a recent interview, Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu made reckless and inflammatory statements regarding enforcement efforts by federal immigration authorities across the Commonwealth,' Foley (pictured) said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. 'Referring to federal agents as 'secret police' is offensive,' she continued. Foley defended ICE, clarifying that the federal agency's role in immigration enforcement is well-known. 'There are no secret police. ICE agents, along with other federal law enforcement partners, are making immigration arrests. That is no secret,' Foley explained. 'They are arresting individuals who are here illegally, which is a violation of federal law. Every enforcement action is conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and our laws, with oversight, legal justification, and accountability. To claim otherwise is a gross misrepresentation and a disservice to the public.' Even the city's top newspaper, The Boston Herald, blasted the mayor, describing her leadership in its editorial pages as 'the least transparent administration in modern Boston history,' citing her refusal to release police records. 'She won't release anything about her own police. We're still waiting for the police report on the fatal Hyde Park bus accident,' the Herald reported. Wu, however, fired back, claiming that the recent federal intervention is 'undermining trust with local police.' 'The US attorney is attacking me for saying what Bostonians see with their own eyes,' Wu said in response to Foley's vehement statement. 'We have seen it directly in our communities, and it is undermining our efforts at the local level to keep people safe because it is spreading fear that undermines trust with local police. We do things very differently in Boston, and we are proud of how we do things.' Foley also addressed Wu's comment about ICE agents wearing masks, accusing the mayor of creating a dangerous environment for federal agents. 'Federal agents in marked jackets and vests are masking their faces because people like Mayor Wu have created false narratives about their mission,' Foley said. 'As a result, federal agents and their families are being threatened, doxxed, and assaulted. That is why they must hide their faces.' An ICE spokesman further explained in a statement to WCVB that officers wear masks for safety reasons, noting that some officers and their families have been targeted online. 'We have already had officers doxxed online - some have had their wives' and children's social media accounts made public, and even the schools their children attend have been exposed,' the statement read. 'There are some sick and crazy people out there who would like to see harm come to our officers and their families. Our officers risk their safety every day to prioritize the safety of all Americans, regardless of race or religion.' Wu, however, questioned the necessity of masks, asking, 'I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC 131 routinely wears masks.' When asked whether she was comparing ICE to a neo-Nazi group, Wu denied the comparison, saying, 'What I said is that Boston police - and no police department that I know of at the local level - routinely wears masks.' Wu is also facing criticism for her administration's lack of transparency regarding the Boston Police Department. Further concerns about Wu's administration stem from accusations that the Boston Police Department does not comply with public records laws. The department has been criticized for selectively releasing body camera footage and arbitrarily redacting police reports.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Boston's 'Democrat dictator' blasted for 'inciting violence' with wild allegation against ICE agents
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is facing backlash following 'reckless and inflammatory' comments about federal immigration authorities, who have been detaining immigrants across Massachusetts in recent weeks. The mayor, often referred to as the 'Democratic dictator' for her progressive policies, ignited controversy after an on-air interview in which she described US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as 'secret police' who are 'terrorizing' people in Boston. In her interview at the WBUR Festival on Friday, Wu, 40, said, 'People are terrified for their lives and for their neighbors. Folks are getting snatched off the street by secret police who are wearing masks, who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then detained.' Her remarks prompted a swift response from US Attorney Leah Foley, who condemned the mayor for 'inciting hostility' against federal agents. 'During a recent interview, Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu made reckless and inflammatory statements regarding enforcement efforts by federal immigration authorities across the Commonwealth,' Foley said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. 'Referring to federal agents as 'secret police' is offensive,' she continued. Foley defended ICE, clarifying that the federal agency's role in immigration enforcement is well-known. 'There are no secret police. ICE agents, along with other federal law enforcement partners, are making immigration arrests. That is no secret,' Foley explained. 'They are arresting individuals who are here illegally, which is a violation of federal law. Every enforcement action is conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and our laws, with oversight, legal justification, and accountability. To claim otherwise is a gross misrepresentation and a disservice to the public.' Even the city's top newspaper, The Boston Herald, blasted the mayor, describing her leadership in its editorial pages as 'the least transparent administration in modern Boston history,' citing her refusal to release police records. 'She won't release anything about her own police. We're still waiting for the police report on the fatal Hyde Park bus accident,' the Herald reported. Wu, however, fired back, claiming that the recent federal intervention is 'undermining trust with local police.' 'The US attorney is attacking me for saying what Bostonians see with their own eyes,' Wu said in response to Foley's vehement statement. 'We have seen it directly in our communities, and it is undermining our efforts at the local level to keep people safe because it is spreading fear that undermines trust with local police. We do things very differently in Boston, and we are proud of how we do things.' Foley also addressed Wu's comment about ICE agents wearing masks, accusing the mayor of creating a dangerous environment for federal agents. 'Federal agents in marked jackets and vests are masking their faces because people like Mayor Wu have created false narratives about their mission,' Foley said. 'As a result, federal agents and their families are being threatened, doxxed, and assaulted. That is why they must hide their faces.' An ICE spokesman further explained in a statement to WCVB that officers wear masks for safety reasons, noting that some officers and their families have been targeted online. 'We have already had officers doxxed online - some have had their wives' and children's social media accounts made public, and even the schools their children attend have been exposed,' the statement read. 'There are some sick and crazy people out there who would like to see harm come to our officers and their families. Our officers risk their safety every day to prioritize the safety of all Americans, regardless of race or religion.' Wu, however, questioned the necessity of masks, asking, 'I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC 131 routinely wears masks.' When asked whether she was comparing ICE to a neo-Nazi group, Wu denied the comparison, saying, 'What I said is that Boston police - and no police department that I know of at the local level - routinely wears masks.' Wu is also facing criticism for her administration's lack of transparency regarding the Boston Police Department. Further concerns about Wu's administration stem from accusations that the Boston Police Department does not comply with public records laws. The department has been criticized for selectively releasing body camera footage and arbitrarily redacting police reports. The ongoing transparency issues have raised questions about Wu's commitment to openness, particularly as she targets ICE agents with rhetoric that could 'incite violence.' ICE recently reported that, during a surge in May, it arrested nearly 1,500 unauthorized immigrants, more than half of whom had significant criminal convictions or charges, as reported by WGBH.
Int'l Business Times
2 days ago
- General
- Int'l Business Times
Nearly 1,500 Immigrants Arrested in Massachusetts Last Month Amid ICE Crackdown
Federal officials detained 1,461 immigrants across Massachusetts last month, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley announced, as part of intensified immigration enforcement efforts carried out by the Trump administration. According to comments by Foley reported by Axios, 790 of those detained had committed crimes in addition to being in the country unlawfully. She said the arrests included individuals accused of serious offenses such as murder and rape, but did not specify what violations were committed by those without criminal records. "To any alien criminal offenders victimizing Massachusetts residents, ICE is not going away," Foley said. "We are coming for you." The crackdown has sparked criticism from community members, elected officials, and advocacy organizations, who argue that many of those arrested had no criminal record and, in some cases, held legal status. One arrest drawing particular attention is that of 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, a Milford High School student detained Saturday while driving to volleyball practice. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials said they were seeking his father when they stopped the vehicle. "He's in this country illegally, and we're not going to walk away from anybody," said Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE. Patricia Hyde, acting director of enforcement and removal operations at ICE's Boston field office, added, "He was not the target of the investigation. He's 18 years old—and he's unlawfully in this country." Gomes Da Silva, a Brazilian national who arrived in the U.S. on a student visa in 2012, has no known criminal record and plans to apply for asylum, according to his attorney. His detention has prompted legal action, with a federal judge issuing an order barring his removal from Massachusetts while the court considers his petition. The arrest has sparked local protests, including a walkout Monday by students at Milford High School. Many wore "Free Marcelo" T-shirts and held signs. The Massachusetts Teachers Association issued a statement supporting the demonstration and criticizing ICE's actions. Massachusetts has become a focal point in national immigration debates, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions where local law enforcement limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Foley said that when local police do not assist, "we must go out into the community," adding, "we've been completely transparent with that." Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
ICE announces Milford high schooler update
BOSTON (WWLP) – The US Attorney's office and ICE officials held a press conference on Monday, providing updates on their activity in the Bay State, and on the recent arrest of a Milford high school junior. The update comes as ICE has ramped up their detainment efforts exponentially over the last several months, making headlines as nearly 1,500 known criminals and honors students alike are taken into custody. US Attorney Leah Foley says ICE is carrying out their duties, and threatened those who try to interfere with prosecution. 'These are defendants who didn't simply cross a border, they crossed a line and jeopardized the safety of Massachusetts communities,' said Foley. ICE officials were asked about the whereabouts of an 18-year-old Milford high schooler who was detained on the way to volleyball practice this weekend. They declined to disclose where he is being held, but clarified that the target of their investigation was the student's father, and while the student has no criminal record, he was detained for residing in the United States illegally. 'Like, I didn't say he was dangerous. I said he is in this country illegally. And we're not gonna walk away from anybody,' said ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons. Governor Healey sees the detainment of the Milford high schooler differently. She says despite her requests, ICE has not provided her with more information. 'Unless ICE has additional information that would substantiate that this individual had some criminal involvement, he should be released,' Healey said. ICE officials emphasized that they will be arresting all individuals who are in the country illegally that they come across while searching for specific people, regardless of any criminal activity. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Operation Patriot nets 1,500 arrested by ICE in Massachusetts
BOSTON (WWLP) – A news conference was held with members of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) to announce the results of 'Operation Patriot', with nearly 1,500 people arrested. On Monday, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde held a news conference to discuss the immigration enforcement surge operation in Massachusetts. Officials called it 'Operation Patriot,' which resulted in 1,461 arrests by ICE last month in Massachusetts. Protests held in Amherst following arrests by ICE In a news release by ICE, more than half of those arrested had criminal convictions or charges, 277 were previously ordered removed from the U.S., but remained in the country illegally. There were 799 offenders charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States or abroad. ICE detained an 18-year-old high school junior in Milford, which made national headlines over the weekend. According to the Milford superintendent, the student was on his way to volleyball practice with his teammates when their call got pulled over. ICE officials said they were looking for the student's father however, the student was arrested due to his immigration status. Those in ICE custody will remain pending the outcome of their removal proceedings or their deportation from the United States. The White House deputy chief of staff recently confirmed the administration's new plan regarding ICE arrests. He says the administration has a minimum goal to arrest 3,000 migrants who are in the country illegally, daily. The Trump administration claims those being detained have committed crimes, pose a threat to national security, public safety, or have violated the terms of their visas. 'The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a safer place today thanks to the hard work and determination of the men and women of ICE and our federal partners. Working together, we were able to arrest almost 1,500 illegal aliens throughout the Commonwealth, most of whom had significant criminality in the United States or abroad,' said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. 'Make no mistake: Every person that we arrested was breaking our immigration laws, but most of these individuals had significant criminality. They are criminal offenders who victimized innocent people and traumatized entire communities — murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sex predators and members of violent transnational criminal gangs. Some were convicted of violent crimes in the United States, and others were wanted for criminality in their native countries. All made the mistake of attempting to subvert justice by hiding out in Massachusetts.' 'We are working diligently alongside our fellow law enforcement partners to make our communities safer through the arrest and ultimate removal of nearly 1,500 individuals who flouted the laws of our nation when they chose to remain here without legal status. Among those arrested include truly alarming criminals: murderers wanted in their home countries, child predators, and drug traffickers,' said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. 'Public safety and national security remain our number one priority, and we will continue to work every day with our partners toward this goal.' 'This was a massive, multiagency immigration enforcement operation aimed at keeping our region safe from habitual lawbreakers who have flouted our country's immigration laws and, in many cases, committed violent crimes that have endangered our families, friends, and neighbors for far too long,' said FBI Boston acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka. 'Together, with our partners, we have identified and removed hundreds of illegal alien offenders from the Commonwealth, including murderers, gang members, child predators and a possible associate of a suspected terrorist, and our work is not done.' 'Over the past month, CBP has worked diligently alongside our federal law enforcement partners to apprehended criminal aliens illegally present in our country,' said Jennifer De La O, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Boston. 'CBP is unwavering in our commitment to protect the American people and make our country safer. We will continue to ensure that all criminal aliens that violate our laws are taken into custody and removed.' 'DEA is proud to be actively supporting our federal law enforcement partners in these concentrated enforcement operations to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities,' said DEA New England acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. 'We continue to prioritize our drug investigations on those involving violent illegal criminals, particularly those identified as members of designated foreign terrorist organizations. DEA's mission remains the same: Seize deadly and dangerous drugs before they reach our communities, and bring to justice those criminals responsible for drug manufacturing and distribution.' 'ATF has worked alongside all of our federal law enforcement partners to assist ICE throughout New England during this enforcement initiative,' said ATF Boston Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson. 'We will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months as a part of our mission to keep our communities safe.' 'The Diplomatic Security Service is proud to work with our federal law enforcement partners in support of major enforcement operations like this which undoubtedly make our communities safer and strengthens our national security,' said DSS Boston Special Agent in Charge Matthew O'Brien. 'DSS remains an integral law enforcement partner providing daily support to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
