Three illegal immigrants have been arrested in Massachusetts on child rape charges, highlighting tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Authorities in Massachusetts have arrested three illegal immigrants accused of horrific crimes against children, prompting renewed scrutiny over the state's stance on immigration enforcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detailed the arrests in press releases on Wednesday, highlighting the serious charges each individual faces.
The suspects include:
- Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz, 21, a Guatemalan national, charged with rape of a child by force, rape of a child, and indecent assault and battery. De Paz-Munoz entered the U.S. illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, in 2020 and was released with a notice to appear in immigration court. He was arrested in February 2024 in Great Barrington but released on bail before ICE could detain him.
- Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos, 42, a Colombian national, charged with multiple counts of rape, including statutory and aggravated rape of a minor. Buitrago-Bustos overstayed his visa after arriving at JFK Airport in 2016. He was arrested in October 2023 and held without bail before being transferred to ICE custody.
- Alexandre Romao De Oliveira, 41, a Brazilian fugitive convicted of child rape in Brazil and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Romao De Oliveira fled to the U.S. in 2022, crossing the border in New Mexico illegally. He was arrested in Methuen on Monday.
These arrests come amid growing tension over Massachusetts' declaration as a "sanctuary state" for illegal immigrants. The state recently reaffirmed its commitment to providing protections for undocumented individuals, resisting federal efforts to deport them. Governor Maura Healey, who has been vocal in her opposition to the incoming Trump administration's immigration policies, confirmed that Massachusetts will continue to resist federal deportation efforts and will not cooperate with federal immigration authorities in most cases.
Bill Melugin of Fox News pointed out the disconnect, stating, “All of these arrests took place in MA, where Gov. Maura Healey said the other day her state will not cooperate with the incoming Trump admin’s federal immigration enforcement efforts.”
In response to the arrest of individuals like De Paz-Munoz, Buitrago-Bustos, and Romao De Oliveira, President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration. Trump has announced plans for mass deportations and a stronger border security effort, with former ICE Director Thomas Homan tapped to oversee these initiatives.
“These cases underscore the urgent need for strong enforcement policies,” Homan stated. “Protecting American communities begins with ensuring those who break our laws are held accountable.”
As these high-profile cases move through the legal system, they bring into sharper focus the growing divide between state policies like Massachusetts' sanctuary status and federal immigration enforcement priorities.
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