On Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston officers arrested Wisteguens Jean Quely Charles, a 25-year-old Haitian national with a lengthy criminal record, in Boston. According to a press release from ICE, Charles, who was illegally present in the United States, is a known member of a violent Haitian street gang and holds 17 convictions in Massachusetts for a range of criminal activities. These convictions encompass multiple offenses, including drug-related crimes, weapons charges, and assault and battery.
Acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde did not mince words when describing Charles' impact on local communities, stating, "Mr. Charles is illegally present the United States and has consistently broken our laws causing significant harm to the residents of Massachusetts," as reported by ICE. "ERO Boston will not tolerate the repeated victimization of our New England neighborhoods. We will continue our mission to apprehend such illegal alien offenders and remove them from our communities."
The documented list of Charles' convictions is extensive, spanning from August 16, 2022, to August 14, 2024, and includes charges such as possession and distribution of controlled substances, trespassing, carrying dangerous weapons, and resisting arrest. Officially, Charles breached the terms of his lawful admission into the country, initially entering the U.S. on a lawful basis on July 13, 2013, in Miami, Florida.
ICE ERO initially encountered Charles on April 15, 2023, and subsequently issued an immigration detainer against him with the Norfolk House of Correction in Massachusetts. Defying the detainer, the correctional facility released him on October 20, 2023, without notifying ICE, which led to the January 22 arrest by ICE ERO officers in Boston who then issued him a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge. Holding Charles in custody, ICE maintains its mission to safeguard the nation from foreign nationals who commit crimes and undermine U.S. immigration law, as formally stated in the press release.
For individuals wishing to report crimes or suspicious activities associated with child sex offenders or other related concerns, ICE has set up a Tip Line that can be reached by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form. The public plays a crucial role in assisting law enforcement efforts to keep communities safe from criminal activities.
