Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s fiery comparison of masked ICE agents to neo-Nazis triggered a national backlash and reignited tensions over immigration enforcement.
At a Glance
- Mayor Wu compared masked ICE agents to neo-Nazi groups following a mass immigration arrest operation.
- ICE’s Operation Patriot led to 1,461 arrests in Massachusetts, 790 involving criminal records.
- Federal officials condemned Wu’s remarks as inflammatory and dangerous.
- ICE leaders warned such rhetoric endangers agents and their families.
- The incident deepens conflict between federal enforcement and sanctuary city policies.
Neo-Nazi Comparison Sparks Outrage
In response to ICE’s recent enforcement effort, Operation Patriot, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered remarks that likened agents to neo-Nazis, referencing the extremist group NSC-131. Wu objected to ICE agents wearing masks during the operation and said, “I don’t know of any police department that routinely wears masks… NSC-131 routinely wears masks,” drawing a direct visual and rhetorical comparison. Wu further branded the agents as “Trump’s secret police,” echoing authoritarian imagery often invoked in critiques of federal immigration tactics.
The statement came amid the arrest of 1,461 undocumented individuals in Massachusetts, 790 of whom had criminal records, under a targeted federal initiative aimed at removing violent offenders and fugitives. Critics of Wu’s remarks called them reckless, accusing her of conflating public safety operations with extremist violence.
Federal Officials Denounce the Remarks
The backlash was swift. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley publicly rebuked the mayor, stating that ICE agents “are arresting individuals who are here illegally… referring to them as ‘secret police’ is offensive.” Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons was even more forceful, accusing Wu and other politicians of endangering federal agents. “Politicians need to stop putting my people in danger,” Lyons said, warning that inflammatory language could lead to violence against law enforcement.
Watch a report: Mayor Wu compares ICE to neo-Nazis after mass arrests.
Federal officials also pointed to a rise in verbal and physical assaults against ICE officers, attributing the spike in part to demonizing rhetoric from progressive leaders. A White House spokesperson confirmed the administration is tracking threats against officers, emphasizing that “ICE personnel are lawfully performing duties mandated by Congress.”
Sanctuary Tensions and Election Stakes
Boston, a long-time sanctuary city, has limited cooperation with ICE. Wu has staunchly defended this position during her tenure, arguing that aggressive immigration enforcement harms community trust. However, critics say her recent statements undermine the rule of law and jeopardize officer safety.
The timing is politically sensitive: Wu faces a contentious reelection campaign against challenger Josh Kraft. Her immigration stance, already a lightning rod, now dominates the race narrative. Opponents argue Wu’s comparison crossed a red line, with the potential to alienate moderate voters concerned about public safety.
Meanwhile, ICE officials maintain that Operation Patriot targeted serious threats, including suspects linked to homicide and sexual assault. “We will not apologize for doing our job,” Foley reiterated, countering claims of overreach.
The clash between Wu and federal agencies underscores a deeper national rift over immigration—one likely to remain center stage as election season unfolds.
