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DHS Rebukes Boston Councilor Over 'Abduction' Claim in Roslindale ICE Arrest

Boston is enforcing sanctuary limits, including a new order restricting ICE use of city property.

City Councilor Enrique Pepén holds his hands to his face at a vigil organized by the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts to support people detained by ICE at the Allston Car Wash in November 2025.
Boston, MA - January 1, 2024: New City Councilor Enrique Pepen during the first Council meeting of the new year. (Chris Christo/Boston Herald)
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Overview

  • DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said “ICE did not abduct anyone,” confirming the Feb. 5 arrest of Jose Perez-Antonio on alleged fentanyl and cocaine trafficking and identity theft charges.
  • City Councilor Enrique Pepén had described the incident as an abduction in Roslindale Square and urged residents to report ICE activity to LUCE.
  • Pepén later defended his comments in a video, alleging ICE created fear in the neighborhood and withheld information about the detainee.
  • Hours after the arrest, Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order barring civil immigration enforcement on city property without a warrant or court order and directing Boston police to de-escalate encounters.
  • Boston police said they declined all 57 ICE detainer requests in 2025 under the Boston Trust Act, and city officials have reaffirmed the city’s noncooperation stance.