On Wednesday, federal agents conducted an operation in East Boston. Agents wearing vests marked "POLICE — federal agent" were observed going door to door. Footage shows at least one person being taken into custody. The nature of the operation remains unknown, according to NBC Boston.

Local residents' primary reaction to recent government actions, which are mostly a result of President Donald Trump's stricter immigration laws, is one of concern. José Marques Lima observed from his home as federal agents, wearing vests marked "POLICE-federal agent," conducted interviews in his neighborhood, which has a large migrant population, as noted by WWLP.

In order to detain and deport migrants with criminal records, the operations are conducted in accordance with President Trump's orders to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Alongside the operations, President Trump has instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest and deport people with criminal histories. Although Jeff Thielman, CEO of the International Institute of New England, estimates that there are 11 million undocumented people across the country. As Thielman told NBC10 Boston, "If millions of immigrants are deported, they will take the economy with them, because they work in many industries that are vital."

Advocates like Massachusetts delegate Janet Fogarty applaud Trump's actions as supporters like Thielman emphasize the community's concerns and the financial consequences of mass deportations. "We do need immigrants, but there are many people waiting to come into the country legally," said Fogarty, who is not anticipating a mass exodus but rather a targeted approach, assured that "President Trump has said the priority is going to be on those who have committed crimes, and those will be the first people deported." she mentioned, as reported by NBC Boston. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not released a statement regarding the operation.