In what is now being confirmed as the largest immigration enforcement action in U.S. history, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the results of Operation Patriot, a sweeping month-long mission across Massachusetts that led to the arrest of 1,461 illegal aliens, more than half of whom had serious criminal charges or convictions.
Unprecedented Numbers, Devastating Crimes
Of the 1,461 arrested:
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790 individuals had criminal convictions or pending charges, including violent felonies such as murder, rape, child sexual assault, and drug trafficking.
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277 had final deportation orders.
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Numerous others were arrested as “collaterals” — illegal aliens not specifically targeted but encountered during raids.
According to acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde of ICE Boston:
“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… All made the mistake of attempting to subvert justice by hiding out in Massachusetts.”
Targeting Sanctuary Havens
The operation was launched in direct response to Massachusetts’ sanctuary policies, which prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE detainer requests. According to Fox News’ Bill Melugin, hundreds of individuals arrested had previously been released by sanctuary jurisdictions despite ICE detainers being issued against them.
In a single day embedded with ICE, Melugin personally witnessed the arrests of:
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An international fugitive murderer
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Two child rapists, including one living next to a playground
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A fentanyl trafficker
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An adult rapist
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A child sexual assaulter
Operation Patriot Faced Daily Resistance
Unlike previous enforcement efforts—such as Operation Tidal Wave in Florida, which saw 1,120 arrests—ICE said Operation Patriot was far more challenging due to:
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Zero cooperation from local officials
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Near-daily interference by anti-ICE activists
In one chilling example, ICE was forced to abandon a surveillance operation after a crowd of activists surrounded their vehicle, exposing their position and allowing a murder suspect to escape.
ICE has repeatedly warned that such sanctuary obstructionism pushes ICE agents into public spaces, increasing risk for agents, suspects, and bystanders alike.
National Security vs. Political Posturing
This operation is expected to reignite the national debate over immigration, public safety, and the role of local governments in federal law enforcement. ICE’s public statement was clear: “Every person we arrested was breaking our immigration laws, but most of these individuals had significant criminality.”
The agency plans to hold a press conference in Boston to lay out more details and respond to growing questions about the dangers of sanctuary jurisdictions.
