Operation Patriot 2.0 Arrests 1,400 Undocumented Immigrants with Criminal Records

• ICE arrests 1,400 undocumented immigrants
• Operation Patriot 2.0 impacts Massachusetts
• Focused on crime and gangs

According to ICE.gov, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of 1,406 undocumented immigrants during Operation Patriot 2.0, a multi-week operation targeting organized crime, gangs, and the most dangerous immigration violators in Massachusetts.

The operation took place between September 4 and September 30, with the joint participation of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the U.S. Marshals Service.

According to ICE, more than 600 of those arrested had criminal records or pending charges in the United States, while others were foreign fugitives or had international arrest warrants.

Authorities detailed that Operation Patriot 2.0 focused on transnational criminal groups active in Boston and other Massachusetts cities, including members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and Calle 18 gangs.

Organized crime and gangs in Massachusetts

ICE, federal partners arrest more than 1,400 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during Patriot 2.0, including murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sex predators and members of violent transnational criminal gangs. 🇺🇸👊 https://t.co/AarRybECcS

— CJ4America2 (@GrammyC4Zone2) October 20, 2025

Six of those arrested were identified as documented gang members, and several others were classified as associates or collaborators of these groups.

ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons stated that the operation “demonstrates the severe consequences of sanctuary policies,” referring to local jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities.

Lyons criticized local governments for releasing criminals instead of turning them over to ICE, claiming that such actions “put communities, officers, and migrants at risk.”

Among those arrested were three individuals labeled as known or suspected terrorists, as well as people wanted for murder, rape, drug trafficking, and child sexual abuse.

Patriot 2.0 strengthens national security

David Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of ICE ERO Boston, said the detainees “victimized innocent people and traumatized entire communities.”

“These include murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sex predators, and violent gang members. All made the mistake of trying to undermine U.S. immigration law by hiding in Massachusetts,” he added.

Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI New England, emphasized that public and national security “will remain the top priority.”

FBI representative Ted E. Docks stated that the operation “sends an unmistakable message” to those hiding illegally in the country while committing crimes.

Political tensions and federal cooperation

“These are not harmless individuals looking for a better life; they are threats to public safety,” said the official.

Kevin Neal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, added that the results of the operation prove that violent offenders will be held accountable.

Other federal agencies also expressed support. The ATF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with ICE to arrest and deport individuals involved in criminal activity, while the DEA emphasized its focus on dismantling networks distributing deadly drugs.

“The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law,” said Matthew O’Brien, DSS Special Agent in Boston.

Operation Patriot 2.0 and sanctuary policies

ICE reported that many of the arrests occurred after local authorities refused to honor immigration detainer requests, forcing agents to make direct arrests in Massachusetts communities.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley supported the coordination between federal agencies and stated that removing individuals who violate immigration laws “improves community safety.”

According to ICE, 277 of those detained had prior deportation orders issued by immigration judges but had refused to leave the country.

All of the arrested individuals remain in ICE custody pending deportation or removal proceedings.

Conclusion: Impact of Operation Patriot 2.0

Operation Patriot 2.0 represents a coordinated federal effort to combat organized crime and strengthen immigration law enforcement in Massachusetts.

For ICE and its partners, the results demonstrate the impact of interagency collaboration and commitment to national security.

However, criticism of sanctuary policies and the ongoing tension between local and federal authorities continue to shape the debate over immigration enforcement in the United States.