As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up immigration enforcement in Boston, Massachusetts as part of its “Operation Patriot,” the agency’s actions in the city could serve as a blueprint for the Trump Administration’s push to make examples of Democratic cities that refuse to aid the Administration’s deportation and removal efforts. In May 2025, “Operation Patriot” yielded nearly 1,500 arrests in and around Boston. The operation uses forcible street arrests and other aggressive tactics that are intended to scare those in the U.S. illegally into leaving voluntarily. ICE is also planning to deploy “Operation Patriot 2.0” in the coming weeks as part of ramped up enforcement efforts. Notably, Boston also happens to be Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons’ hometown.
