In a move that has bolstered the sense of security within the Massachusetts community, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston officials have confirmed the arrest of a 44-year-old MS-13 gang member and Salvadoran fugitive. The arrest, which took place in Foxboro on February 19, saw the individual wanted by authorities in El Salvador for homicide brought into custody. Officials from ERO Boston executed the apprehension.
In the wake of the operation, Todd M. Lyons, ERO Boston Field Office Director, stated, "This unlawfully present fugitive is a member of a violent transnational criminal organization who is wanted for murder in his home country." Lyons expressed that the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are now safer following the arrest. The fugitive's criminal history was noted, though the exact details of his alleged criminal activities abroad were not immediately disclosed, as stated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During the fiscal year 2023, ERO has tallied 170,590 administrative arrests, marking a sizable 19.5% increase from the previous year. Among those arrested, 73,822 noncitizens had a criminal history, with an average of four charges or convictions per individual, including serious offenses such as assault, weapons violations, homicides, and kidnappings, according to U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The figures narrate an ongoing struggle for ERO, facing an array of criminal elements within noncitizen communities.
The apprehended gang member faces impending removal from the United States, pending the usual procedural checks and balances. ERO Boston's commitment to regional safety was reiterated as they, along with their national counterparts, strive to uphold immigration laws and combat threats to public security.
Public involvement continues to be a key factor in the battle against crime as ERO encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they observe. Communication channels, including a dedicated hotline and an online tip form, ensure that the public can play an active role in maintaining the integrity and safety of their neighborhoods.
