An Indian national who entered the United States illegally has been arrested by authorities for allegedly assaulting another person with a baseball bat. The incident has sparked criticism from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding sanctuary policies in Massachusetts.
Arrest and Charges
Dhaval Amratbhai Patel was initially arrested by the Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts on May 16. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. According to the police report, Patel became involved in an argument with a customer at the liquor store where he worked. The dispute allegedly escalated, leading Patel to grab a baseball bat and strike the man.
ICE Involvement and Release Controversy
The United States Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on Wednesday, asserting that 'sanctuary politicians in Massachusetts' did not cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement. The statement claims that Patel was released from jail without notifying ICE, despite his illegal immigration status. ICE subsequently arrested Patel on May 18.
Patel had entered the US illegally at an unknown date and time, the statement added.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis condemned the actions of sanctuary politicians, stating: 'The illegal individual from India thought he could go around beating people with a baseball bat. Sanctuary politicians released him from jail after his arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Sanctuary politicians must stop choosing to release criminals into our communities and work with DHS to get criminals out of the country. By refusing to cooperate with ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians are putting the safety of their citizens at risk.'
