Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehended a convicted murderer, Cesar Polanco, 59, just as he was about to be paroled from a Massachusetts prison after serving 17 years of a life sentence for killing his pregnant girlfriend in 2006. Polanco, an illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was convicted of murdering Judith Guevara, a 25-year-old mother of two, by blunt force trauma.

The parole board granted Polanco's release despite a previous denial in 2021 and opposition from Essex County prosecutors. The board cited Polanco's sobriety, participation in prison programs, and support system as reasons for his release. They also considered his 911 call after the murder as a point in his favor. However, details from the 2021 parole denial, which highlighted Polanco's history of delinquent behavior and multiple arrests after entering the U.S. illegally, were omitted from the recent parole decision.

The 2021 denial also revealed that Polanco couldn't explain his motive for the murder and that his account of the incident contradicted the evidence. The parole board's approved release plan included conditions such as maintaining employment, sobriety, and avoiding contact with Guevara's family. However, due to an ICE detainer, Polanco was taken into custody by ICE agents upon his release. Polanco's legal representation during the parole process was provided by the Harvard Prison Legal Assistance Project. ICE has not yet commented on Polanco's current location.

This incident raises questions about the parole board's decision-making process and the potential risks associated with releasing convicted criminals, especially those with a history of violence and illegal immigration status.