The sheriff’s office operating the jail disregarded the detainer and released Ruiz into the public without informing ICE. “ERO Boston will seize every opportunity to identify, locate, and detain criminal noncitizens facing felony charges, holding them in custody until their criminal and immigration proceedings are concluded,” stated ERO Boston’s acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “This is not only our mission but also the lawful course of action.”
In October 2019, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department terminated its contract with ICE, reallocating resources due to the rising number of women entering the Suffolk County House of Correction, as per a statement from Sheriff Steve Thompkins at the time. “We are discontinuing our contract with ICE to redirect our resources to aiding local women in addressing long-standing issues contributing to their involvement in the criminal justice system,” Thompkins expressed. “Our gender-specific programming, recognized as among the nation’s best, enables us to tackle these issues, including domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and substance use disorders.”
The statement, available on his campaign website, revealed that the contract with ICE for housing federal immigration detainees was initially signed in 2003. The then-acting director of ICE ERO Boston conveyed disappointment with the sheriff’s decision after maintaining a “mutually beneficial” partnership for over a decade.
The recent arrest occurred amidst Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s firm stance that her state police will “categorically not” cooperate with the anticipated mass deportation initiative by the incoming Trump administration. She cautioned of utilizing “every tool in the toolbox” to “safeguard” residents in the blue state.
President-elect Trump has vowed to execute the “most extensive domestic deportation operation in American history,” targeting the removal of millions of illegal immigrants. A report by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) estimated that 50,000 migrants have arrived in the state since 2021.
“I do believe it is crucial for all of us to acknowledge the mounting pressure on states and state officials. I can assure you we are dedicated to delivering,” stated Healey following President-elect Trump’s resounding election victory last month.
Last year, Healey declared a state of emergency in response to the surge and urged for federal intervention. She also recognized that the state’s policies may act as an attraction for migrants. “Many of these families are migrants to Massachusetts, drawn here because we are and proudly have been a beacon to those in need,” she conveyed in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
