In Boston, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger has urged restraint amid escalating tensions surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Massachusetts. Recent confrontations between the public and federal agents have heightened concerns, including incidents in Worcester and Waltham where arrests drew public resistance. Coppinger emphasized the need for peace, stating, “Everybody just needs to take a step back.” He faced ICE regularly at the county jail but noted that state law restricts local cooperation with federal agents regarding the detention of inmates.
He called for improved communication between ICE and local law enforcement to alleviate community tensions. The emotional responses of residents resonated through encounters, where individuals expressed their anger at ongoing ICE operations aimed at undocumented immigrants, highlighting the separation of families. Retired ICE Deputy Field Director Julian Calderas acknowledged the increasing hostility toward agents and cautioned that situations could swiftly become violent if agents felt threatened. He clarified that ICE could apprehend individuals without presenting a warrant, noting several types of immigration orders, some of which may not originate from a judge.
On the other hand, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley condemned interference with ICE operations, framing it as a threat to public safety. She warned that federal authorities would pursue legal action against anyone obstructing ICE, reinforcing that such conduct should not be tolerated. The situation illustrates the intense friction surrounding immigration enforcement in Massachusetts, prompting calls for calm from local leaders amidst federal operations that continue to evoke strong public emotions.
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