Milford, Massachusetts police chief on local ICE arrests: "We're way out of the loop"
The police chief in Milford, Massachusetts is frustrated over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that ended with the arrest of an 18-year-old high school student.
Chief Robert Tusino said he's built bonds with the immigrants in his community, allowing him to crack cases.
"My very neighborhood, we have the benefit of Brazilian barbecue and people stopping by. It's a very loving, warm atmosphere in my neighborhood. Now, yes, they're undocumented but, to me, that's not a thing," Tusino said.
Marcelo Gomes da Silva arrest
In recent days, ICE operations have caused protest and panic in Milford, including the arrest of 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a junior at Milford High School. He was pulled over by ICE agents while driving teammates to volleyball practice on Saturday morning.
Tusino said the arrest and others like it caught him off guard.
"We're way out of the loop. I do everything I can just to make sure the people that are detained have a bathroom to use. Get food," he said.
Massachusetts law prevents local law enforcement from arresting anyone on the basis of their immigration status. Tusino said that Gomes da Silva's case highlights that federal law enforcement and local law enforcement should work together more, without compromising the law.
"If there could be a police presence but with a hands-off approach from local police, I think that would ease a lot of tension and maybe you'd avert someone wrongfully being arrested," Tusino said.
Father's history of traffic violations
On Monday, ICE revealed that Gomes da Silva was not the intended target of their operation. The agency says it was going after his father, Joao Paulo Gomes Pereira. The car the teen was driving was registered to his father.
WBZ-TV has learned that Gomes Pereira has a history of traffic violations including a 2023 case of operating a motor vehicle while his license was revoked and failing to stop at a stop sign.
Tusino said his department could also tell ICE whether their intended targets are criminals or not. "My point is that the local law enforcement agencies have knowledge."
There is a hearing scheduled Thursday to begin the deportation process for Gomes da Silva. A judge will determine whether he can be released from custody during the process.
