Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger has called for calm amid increasing confrontations between the public and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts. Following recent incidents, including one in Worcester where police detained a mother while her child was held face down, Coppinger emphasized the need for community restraint to maintain peace. He noted that while he regularly interacts with ICE at the county jail, local law enforcement cannot hold inmates for ICE when they post bail, which complicates the relationship.
Coppinger urged ICE to communicate with local authorities during operations, given the current tensions in various communities. Advocacy groups have protested against ICE, claiming that their actions are separating families and targeting hard-working individuals. Retired ICE Deputy Field Director Julian Calderas highlighted the rising hostility toward agents, warning that confrontations could escalate violently if agents feel threatened. He clarified that ICE can arrest individuals without a warrant if they are in the country illegally.
In response to increasing public dissent, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley issued a stern warning against interfering with ICE operations, stating that such actions could lead to criminal charges. Foley condemned the disruptions as a public safety risk and pledged to investigate any obstruction of ICE activities.
Overall, both law enforcement officials and the U.S. Attorney’s office are calling for collaboration and restraint amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in Massachusetts, stressing the importance of maintaining public safety and lawful conduct.
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