Washington, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is sharply criticizing Massachusetts' sanctuary policies following the arrest of Dhaval Amratbhai Patel, an illegal alien from India, who is accused of a violent assault. The incident highlights the dangers of policies that prioritize the release of criminal aliens over the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.

Patel, who is in the country illegally, was arrested by the Worcester Police Department on May 16 for allegedly attacking a customer at a liquor store with a baseball bat. Despite his immigration status, local authorities released Patel from custody without notifying ICE. Two days later, ICE arrested Patel.

"This illegal alien 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," said DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis. "Sanctuary politicians must stop choosing to release criminals into our communities and work with DHS to get criminals out of country."

Sanctuary policies undermine the rule of law and create safe havens for criminals who should be deported. These policies embolden illegal aliens to commit crimes, knowing that they will be shielded from federal immigration enforcement. They also place an undue burden on local law enforcement, who are forced to release dangerous individuals back into the community.

The primary responsibility of government is to protect its citizens. Sanctuary policies fail to meet this fundamental obligation. By refusing to cooperate with ICE, sanctuary jurisdictions are actively obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts and jeopardizing public safety.

The consequences of these policies are not merely hypothetical. In numerous cases across the country, illegal aliens who have been released from custody due to sanctuary policies have gone on to commit further crimes, including violent offenses.

It is imperative that Massachusetts and other sanctuary jurisdictions abandon these reckless policies and begin cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This includes honoring ICE detainers and providing timely notification of the release of criminal aliens.

The safety and security of American citizens must be the top priority. Sanctuary policies undermine this priority and must be abolished. The case of Dhaval Amratbhai Patel serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of these policies and the urgent need for reform.

The Biden administration's open-border policies have exacerbated the problem, leading to a surge in illegal immigration and an increase in crime. It is time for the administration to reverse course and prioritize border security and immigration enforcement.

The Worcester Police Department and Worcester County District Attorney’s Office have not yet responded to requests for comment. Their continued silence adds to the perception that Massachusetts officials are more concerned with protecting illegal aliens than with protecting their own citizens.

Only through strong border security, effective immigration enforcement, and cooperation between federal and local authorities can we ensure the safety and security of our communities.