Trump launches new anti-immigration operation in Boston, stronghold of Brazilians

Boston’s mayor Michelle Wu harshly criticized the operation. According to her, it is “a political theater, a demonstration of strength and an attempt at intimidation.”

In a recent statement, a spokesman for the Internal Security Department (DHS), which was not named, classified the initial operation as a success and harshly criticized the policy adopted by Boston and Michelle Wu. “Sanctuary policies such as those promoted by Mayor Wu not only attract and house criminals, but also put these threats to public safety above the interests of US citizens. ICE is holding sexual aggressors, pedophiles, drug traffickers and gang members who were released by local authorities,” the spokesman said.

In response, Michelle Wu reinforced the city’s position. “Today Boston is the safest big city in the country because we work to build confidence in the community, so that everyone feels safe when seeking help or denouncing a crime. We will not be intimidated or coerced to abandon the efforts that make Boston a safe home for everyone.”

In the city’s neighborhoods, residents and community organizations mobilize before the operation. Solidarity and legal support networks were activated, as well as direct emergency lines to denounce ICE actions by sector.

With about two million Brazilians living in the United States, Massachusetts is, alongside Florida, the state with the highest concentration of this community. According to data from 2024, approximately 350,000 Brazilians live in the state and, in cities like Framingham, they represent almost a third of the population.

(With agencies)