The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday explained in a reply to a post by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) that it “never intended to apprehend” a high schooler.
In a statement posted to the social platform X on Sunday, Healey said she was “disturbed and outraged by reports that a Milford High School student was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice yesterday.”
“Yet again, local officials and law enforcement have been left in the dark with no heads up and no answers to their questions.”
DHS responded to Healey’s post on X a day later by saying that officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “engaged in a targeted immigration enforcement operation of a known public safety threat and illegal alien, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira.”
“Local authorities notified ICE that this illegal alien has a habit of reckless driving at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour through residential areas endangering Massachusetts residents,” the department added. “Officers identified the target’s vehicle, and initiated a vehicle stop with the intention of apprehending Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira.”
ICE arrested 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes-Da Silva amid the traffic stop, DHS said in their post, referring to the teenager as “illegally present,” a “Brazilian alien,” and “the son of the intended target.”
“While ICE officers never intended to apprehend, Gomes-DaSilva, he was found to be in the United States illegally and subject to removal proceedings, so officers made the arrest,” DHS said in the post.
“Gomes-DaSilva remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings,” the department added.
In an email to The Hill, an attorney for Gomes-DaSilva said his arrest was not necessary and that he “poses no danger to the community or risk of flight.”
“ICE could have brought immigration proceedings against him without arresting him. The arrest does not protect the community. Instead, it sows fear of the government,” Miriam Conrad added.
The Hill has reached out to Milford Public School District and Healey’s press office for comment.