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ICE Makes at Least a Dozen Arrests in New Bedford
Advocates say at least 24 immigrants were detained in roadside stops as officials pressed ICE for details and families sought attorneys.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have detained at least 31 people in southeastern Massachusetts since Monday in enforcement operations spanning New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fall River.
Agents utilized roadside stops and surveillance at gas stations and grocery stores to take individuals into custody; ICE declined to confirm the operation, citing operational security protocols.
Families and attorneys report that many detainees were simply commuting to work or dropping children at school; one advocate noted an 8-year-old boy was left waiting at school after his father was detained.
Governor Maura Healey and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell demanded transparency from federal officials, criticizing the agency for failing to notify local police about the operations.
Attorneys have filed at least 25 habeas petitions in response to the arrests, while advocates report widespread fear is causing residents to stay home and disrupting local workforces.