A Massachusetts sanctuary town criticized ICE for not giving advance notice after a local activist attempted to block federal agents enforcing immigration law.
At a Glance
- ICE operations in Plymouth were disrupted by local activist Lori Fitzpatrick, who tried to block federal arrests
- Plymouth officials criticized the lack of notice, despite their sanctuary stance opposing ICE cooperation
- DHS placed Massachusetts on a list of sanctuary jurisdictions obstructing federal law
- ICE argues sanctuary policies force more dangerous street arrests instead of secure jail transfers
- Recent arrests in Massachusetts included previously deported violent offenders
Sanctuary Politics Collide with Federal Enforcement
Federal immigration agents conducting operations in Plymouth, Massachusetts, encountered resistance not just from local policies but from an activist attempting to physically impede arrests. Lori Fitzpatrick, a resident of the sanctuary-designated town, was filmed confronting ICE agents and demanding explanations while standing in front of their vehicle. “I live in this community, this is very concerning to me,” she said, challenging the agents despite their badges and uniforms.
The irony, critics note, is that Plymouth officials—who reject cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—later complained they were not informed of the operation in advance. Town Manager Derek Brindisi stated, “It would just be better if these federal agents opened the lines of communication,” even as local policy closes them from the other side.
Watch a report: Sanctuary Town Activist Confronts ICE.
The Consequences of Sanctuary Policy
Federal officials argue that sanctuary jurisdictions like Plymouth create the very conditions they criticize. ICE maintains that lack of cooperation from local law enforcement forces agents to conduct more hazardous field arrests, rather than safely transferring custody inside jails. “This is unacceptable behavior that puts all law enforcement personnel and residents at risk,” said Plymouth Select Board member Kevin Canty—referring to ICE, not to those obstructing them.
In response to these policies, the Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security has publicly listed Massachusetts as a sanctuary state impeding federal law. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement… President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first.”
Serious Criminals Arrested Despite Resistance
Despite pushback, ICE reported successful arrests during recent operations in Massachusetts, including individuals with violent criminal histories. One notable case involved the arrest of a previously deported child rapist, a reminder, ICE says, of the stakes involved in enforcement.
Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended her city’s sanctuary policy, stating, “We follow the law here in Boston,” while insisting that city officials shouldn’t participate in ICE operations unless a criminal warrant is issued (Boston.com).
Critics argue that this selective approach to law enforcement undermines national immigration policy and public safety. As federal agents continue their mission under increasingly adversarial conditions, the cultural and legal divide between state and federal governments grows sharper—especially in sanctuary-designated areas where local virtue signaling often clashes with national security priorities.
