DHS Criticizes Massachusetts Sanctuary Policies After Bat-Assault Suspect Freed
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday criticized Massachusetts' sanctuary policies after a man accused in a Worcester baseball-bat attack was freed from a local jail without ICE being notified.[1]
Acting DHS assistant secretary Lauren Bis said state and local officials "refused to cooperate" with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and blasted sanctuary leaders for the release.[1] ICE arrested the suspect, whom DHS identified as Dhaval Amratbhai Patel, on May 18 after Worcester police had taken him into custody on an assault charge.[1]
On May 16, Worcester police arrested Patel on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after an alleged baseball-bat attack on a customer.[1] DHS says Patel, described as an illegal immigrant from India, was released from local jail without notification to immigration authorities under Massachusetts sanctuary policies, and local law enforcement offices did not immediately comment.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 16, 2026, Worcester police arrested Dhaval Amratbhai Patel on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after an alleged baseball bat attack on a customer.
- DHS says Patel, described as an illegal immigrant from India, was released from local jail without notification to immigration authorities under Massachusetts sanctuary policies.
- ICE arrested Patel on May 18, 2026, and DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis publicly criticized state and local officials for refusing to cooperate with ICE.
- The article notes it is unclear where and when Patel entered the United States, and local law enforcement offices did not immediately comment.
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