Trump’s DHS Cracks Down on Sanctuary State Harboring Violent Illegal Aliens

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) executed a coordinated sting operation across Massachusetts this week, targeting violent offenders and illegal alien gang members residing in the state, Breitbart News has learned.

The arrests were carried out in defiance of Massachusetts’ status as a sanctuary state, where local policies often limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

DHS officials confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, working alongside federal partners, made multiple high-priority arrests during the operation.

#EXCLUSIVE: ICE has arrested more convicted illegal aliens from Massachusetts after the state’s sanctuary policies led to their release into communities, according to DHS sources. Some of these individuals were convicted of serious charges, including solicitation to commit murder… pic.twitter.com/NAbgsq7dXL

— Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) May 16, 2025

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

United States Attorney Leah Foley issued a public warning to any Massachusetts officials or individuals who attempt to interfere with ongoing or future ICE actions.

“The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least,” Foley said.

“This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified. I will not stand idly by if any public official, public safety officer, organization or private citizen acts in a manner that criminally obstructs or impedes ICE operations.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Foley added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with other federal agencies, would investigate any violations of federal law and pursue criminal charges where warranted.

Leah Foley laying down the hammer.

“The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least. This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified. I will not stand…

— Mike Urban (@agenturban) May 14, 2025

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons thanked Foley for her support and highlighted the operation’s focus on removing criminal aliens with known affiliations to violent street gangs.

Among those arrested was Irwin Alexander Martinez, an illegal alien from El Salvador identified by officials as a member of the MS-13 gang. Martinez was taken into custody near Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Another individual arrested was Noe Pena Garcia, a 24-year-old illegal alien from El Salvador and suspected MS-13 member.

Garcia had previously been arrested in Boston for weapons-related charges, including possession of brass knuckles and a stun gun.

ICE also apprehended two confirmed members of the 18th Street gang, Moises Amadeo Diaz-Rosalez and Yandal Diaz Rosales, both originally from El Salvador.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal agents were able to conduct the arrests despite efforts by some local politicians and activists to disrupt the operations.

“Despite sanctuary politicians and activists trying to disrupt ICE operations, our brave law enforcement removed gang members, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals from Massachusetts’ streets,” McLaughlin said.

She further detailed the severity of the crimes linked to those targeted in the sting.

“The targets of this operation in Massachusetts included criminal illegal aliens charged with soliciting to commit murder, assault and battery on a pregnant woman, assault and battery on law enforcement, and indecent assault on a 7-year-old,” McLaughlin said.

Assistant DHS Secretary @TriciaOhio responds to this- “Despite sanctuary politicians and activists trying to disrupt ICE operations, our brave law enforcement removed gang members, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals from Massachusetts’ streets. Some of these arrests…

— Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) May 16, 2025

McLaughlin emphasized that both President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem remain committed to ensuring the safety of American communities through the strict enforcement of immigration laws.

“President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow criminal illegal aliens to roam free, putting the lives of more American citizens in danger,” she stated.

As the operation concludes, federal authorities have not disclosed the total number of individuals arrested but confirmed that all suspects taken into custody had significant criminal histories or gang affiliations.

Additional investigations are ongoing, and DHS has indicated that further enforcement actions are likely to continue across sanctuary jurisdictions in the coming months.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs