Berkshire County — A Pittsfield resident is been listed among 370 illegal aliens who have been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to ICE’s website, the action undertaken by ICE and federal law enforcement started on March 18 and continued to March 23.
A day later starting on March 19, there were multiple reports from residents that ICE was seen in Lenox, Pittsfield, and Lee.
The press release states that the enforcement actions targeted “transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders.” As per the news release:
During the six-day enhanced operation, ICE and federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts.
These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs.
205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Six were foreign fugitives currently facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering.
The news release did not list the names or identities of all who were arrested, but did list several incidents of people who were arrested.
One of those listed by ICE is “A Jamaican alien previously deported from the U.S. convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and assault arrested in Pittsfield.”
When contacted by the Berkshire Edge, ICE official James Covington wrote via email: “For the safety of our officers, ICE does not comment on ongoing, upcoming, or planned operations.”
Do you know someone who has been detained by ICE or have you seen ICE in your neighborhood? Contact The Berkshire Edge: 413-591-0575, email sizikson@theberkshireedge.com, or send a message via Facebook.
