Gov. Healey demands information on Saturday ICE arrest of Milford High School junior

Image I Courtesy of Google Maps Milford High School

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By Colin A. Young I State House News Service

Gov. Maura Healey stepped up her criticism of recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Massachusetts, this time "demanding" immediate information on the reported arrest of a Milford High School junior Saturday.

Public and high-profile arrests and apprehensions have been part of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy, including in Somerville, Worcester, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Late Monday morning, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde plan to hold a press conference to "announce the results of a month-long immigration enforcement surge in Massachusetts."

On Saturday, a junior at Milford High was reportedly arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while he was on his way to a volleyball practice. The governor, who last week said she would like ICE to share information about planned enforcement operations here with state and local authorities, said she was "disturbed and outraged" by the reports.

"Yet again, local officials and law enforcement have been left in the dark with no heads up and no answers to their questions. I’m demanding that ICE provide immediate information about why he was arrested, where he is and how his due process is being protected," Healey said in a statement. "My heart goes out to the Milford community on what was supposed to be a celebratory graduation day. The Trump Administration continues to create fear in our communities, and it’s making us all less safe."

Hundreds of people participated in a march from the high school to town hall in Milford on Sunday to support the apprehended student, including more than 200 educators. The Milford Teachers Association said the apprehension was "an act of cruelty" that marked an escalation in tactics.

"The Milford Teachers Association proudly stands with its students and the residents of Milford in opposing this dangerous shift in operations," union president Nick Molinari said. "We are committed to defending every student's right to learn, grow, and be treated with dignity – no matter where they come from."

Last week, ICE and partner agencies said they apprehended "around 40" people on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Officials did not release the identities or backgrounds of the arrested people, but said the cohort included "a documented gang member and at least one child sex offender."

Kimberly Milka, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said last week's island operations highlighted the FBI Boston’s "ongoing commitment to supporting our partners at the Department of Homeland Security with identifying and apprehending those who are breaking the law by violating our immigration laws and, in some cases, committing crimes that endanger public safety."