As local leaders continue pressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for transparency about arrests in Massachusetts, the agency maintains it is not required to provide a rationale.

 

During a press conference Thursday, Helena DaSilva Hughes, president of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center in New Bedford, described the events over the past few days as a “total nightmare.” As of Wednesday, about 30 people had reportedly been detained across Massachusetts’ South Coast, but she said those numbers might have increased since.

 

According to Hughes, most of those taken into ICE custody are not criminals. She stressed that not only are they legally residing in the country with pending asylum cases, but many have children who were born in the United States.

 

“If we talk about the immigrant communities that are getting picked up, let’s not forget that this is an American issue, and these are American-born children that are being impacted,” Hughes said. “The trauma we are seeing with these kids is tremendous.”

 

Just two weeks ago, one of Hughes’ clients was reportedly detained after dropping off his son at school. She said her primary concerns are the widespread impact the arrests have on the community and the mental health effects on children who see ICE has picked up their parent.

 

“What’s happening right now is they’re taking away heads of households,” Hughes added. “Now mothers and children are left behind with fear of becoming homeless. They don’t know how they’re going to meet their basic needs.”

 

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said ICE initially used to call in advance if federal immigration enforcement operations were to take place in the city, but the agency is no longer providing prior notification.

 

“I have no problem with dangerous cartel members, drug dealers, violent criminals being taken out of the city of Fall River by ICE — but that’s about where I’m going to draw the line,” Coogan said.

 

Coogan mentioned that he received reports Wednesday of a child waiting to be picked up at a bus stop who was left alone outside after their parent was detained. He also heard that two Fall River students may have been taken into ICE custody this week, though officials are still working to confirm their ages.

 

According to Coogan, targeting people heading into work, dropping children off at daycare or helping society is an overreach.

 

See more at wpri.com.