The Massachusetts Republican Party criticized Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu following recent arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The arrests involved three undocumented immigrants facing serious charges, including child rape.
Both Healey and Wu have publicly expressed their opposition to former President Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his plans for mass deportations. Healey stated that Massachusetts state police would “not cooperate” with any such efforts from the upcoming administration, claiming she would utilize “every tool in the toolbox” to safeguard the residents of Massachusetts.
Despite their stance, ICE recently revealed that two of the arrested individuals were charged with forcibly raping children, while a third was previously convicted of child rape in Brazil before residing in the United States.
MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale condemned Healey’s and Wu’s positions, labeling them “appalling and disgusting.” She emphasized that the safety of Massachusetts families should come first. “Parents across the Commonwealth are horrified that individuals charged with such serious crimes are allowed to roam free,” Carnevale said. She reiterated that when state leaders publicly announce their refusal to work with ICE, it sends a dangerous message that may invite more crime into their communities.
In response to recent events, Healey’s office stated that she is in favor of deporting individuals who commit violent crimes. However, Wu’s office did not provide any comment on the situation.
The three suspects, identified as Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz from Guatemala, Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos from Colombia, and Alexandre Romao De Oliveira from Brazil, were arrested despite their serious allegations. De Paz-Munoz, for instance, had been previously apprehended for child rape after entering the U.S. in 2020 and was released on bail despite an immigration detainer.
The ongoing debate about immigration policies in Massachusetts has brought attention to public safety issues connected with local authorities’ cooperation—or lack thereof—with federal immigration officers. State lawmakers from the Republican Party have proposed legislation to close loopholes that hinder local cooperation with ICE, urging their Democratic counterparts to focus on public safety.
The situation highlights the challenges faced when balancing the enforcement of immigration laws with community protection, raising pressing questions about the priorities of local leaders in Massachusetts.
