Federal immigration authorities arrested Wisteguens Jean Quely Charles, a Haitian national with a criminal history, on Wednesday in Boston. Charles, who entered the U.S. legally in 2013, was found to have violated his immigration status and is now in ICE custody.
His criminal convictions in Massachusetts span a range of offenses, including drug-related charges, assault, and possession of illegal weapons.
ICE had previously issued a detainer for his arrest after a 2023 incident, but he was released by local authorities. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey acknowledged the action as part of federal law enforcement’s routine efforts to remove individuals who have committed crimes from the community.
This arrest follows concerns over ICE’s actions under the Trump administration, especially regarding arrests in sensitive locations like schools and churches. It highlights ongoing debates about the balance between immigration enforcement and community safety.