BOSTON — Nine workers at a Boston car wash were taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a pre-dawn raid earlier this week.
Video of the ICE operation, which unfolded at the Allston Car Wash on Tuesday, was captured by a customer.
Witnesses described a heavy federal law enforcement presence, with about 20 vehicles surrounding the business. The workers detained include five men and four women.
Todd Pomerleau, a Boston attorney representing the workers, told Boston 25 News that several of them have legal work authorization and pending immigration cases. Additionally, none of the nine have criminal records, according to Pomerleau, who has filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court challenging the legality of the detentions.
“Zero criminal record,” he said. “Documentation wasn’t even asked for. They were basically just rounded up and taken away.”
Pomerleau also criticized the conduct of the agents, describing them as masked and dressed in paramilitary-style gear.
A neighborhood resident who witnessed the raid called it “undemocratic” and said it lacked due process.
When reached for comment, ICE issued the following statement
“On November 4, ICE conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Allston, Massachusetts that resulted in the arrest of 9 illegal aliens including an illegal alien who chose to commit a felony by illegally re-entering the U.S. Three entered under the Biden administration, four were gotaways at the border, one entered illegally under W. Bush, and another overstayed his visa which expired under President Clinton.
“For decades, politicians left our borders wide open. Now, thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history.
“Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right, legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”
— DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
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