U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended a Guatemalan national residing illegally in Massachusetts. The individual, 49-year-old Jose Fernando-Perez, faces multiple charges of child rape. ICE confirmed Fernando-Perez's arrest in Framingham on February 2nd. He is charged with three counts of forcible rape of a child and three counts of aggravated rape of a child.

Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston, emphasized the severity of the crimes and highlighted Fernando-Perez as a prime example of the individuals targeted by ICE's "worst first" policy. Hyde stated that Fernando-Perez posed a serious threat to the community and his apprehension was a priority for public safety.

ICE records indicate Fernando-Perez entered the United States illegally at an unspecified time and location, bypassing official immigration processes. His prior criminal record includes a 2012 conviction for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage and possessing improper license plates. This conviction stemmed from a 2005 arraignment in Lynn District Court.

Fernando-Perez was arraigned again in Lynn District Court in April 2022 on charges of child rape by force. The case was subsequently dismissed due to an indictment in superior court. ICE had lodged an immigration detainer against him with the Essex County House of Correction in May 2022. However, despite the detainer, the Essex County Superior Court released him on pretrial conditions in October 2022.

Following his February 2nd apprehension, Fernando-Perez was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge. He currently remains in ICE custody.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's stance on immigration enforcement has seen some shifts. While previously opposing large-scale deportations of undocumented individuals without criminal records, she has acknowledged that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state. This clarification comes despite a 2017 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.

Healey's recent call for a review of the state's migrant shelter system, prompted by an incident involving illegal activity by a migrant, indicates a more focused approach to addressing issues within the system. She has urged state legislators to modify the "right to shelter" laws to exclude illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell maintains her opposition to the increased immigration enforcement efforts.