ICE Criticizes Massachusetts Court for Releasing Accused Child Rapist.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has condemned a Massachusetts court for releasing an undocumented immigrant charged with raping a child. This incident has raised concerns about the state’s sanctuary policies amid growing fears about migrant-related crime nationwide.
Maynor Francisco Hernandez-Rodas, a 38-year-old Guatemalan national, faced charges of aggravated rape of a child by force in June. Despite this, a local court released him after refusing to comply with ICE’s detainer request. ICE reported that Middlesex County “ignored ERO Boston’s immigration detainer” before taking him into custody on September 20.
“Maynor Francisco Hernandez-Rodas stands accused of horrific crimes against a Massachusetts child,” said Patricia H. Hyde, acting director of ERO Boston. She emphasized the need to prioritize public safety by removing dangerous noncitizen threats from communities.
Alfonso Aguilar, director of Hispanic Engagement at the American Principles Project and former chief of the U.S. Office of Citizenship, criticized the state for prioritizing ideology over citizen safety. He pointed out that releasing individuals like Hernandez-Rodas increases the risk of reoffending.
Massachusetts has a history of disputes regarding ICE detainers due to a 2017 ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. This ruling stated that local courts cannot detain individuals solely based on federal immigration detainers beyond their scheduled release dates. Governor Maura Healey, who supported this ruling, called it a victory for smart immigration policies.
Aguilar contended that this approach undermines the rule of law and places illegal immigrants above community safety. He argued that Massachusetts officials are failing to protect citizens by allowing dangerous individuals to evade deportation.
With the 2024 election approaching, immigration is a key topic. Former President Trump has promised a massive deportation campaign if elected, while Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged the need for immigration reform and border security.
Aguilar believes that for effective immigration enforcement, state cooperation with federal authorities is crucial. He called for clear communication that immigration is a federal matter, urging local law enforcement to comply with ICE detainers to enhance community safety.
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