Statement of DA Rachael Rollins on ICE actions in Suffolk County
BOSTON, Oct. 9, 2020 — “I am troubled by the actions of federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents, heavily armed and wearing body armor, who stopped a United States citizen and Massachusetts resident earlier this week for no other reason apparently than the color of his skin.
“The behavior of these ICE officers appears to have violated the rights of Bena Apreala, a 29-year-old man who was simply out jogging in West Roxbury. We are fortunate the incident was captured on video. According to Mr. Apreala, none of the federal agents identified themselves. Two SUVs approached him, one blocking his path. The similarities to the Ahmaud Arbery murder in Georgia are troubling. The video taken by Mr. Apreala shows several heavily armed individuals who look like they could be in a militia or potentially engaged in vigilantism approaching and questioning him. Prior to the events that we recently saw unfold in Michigan and Oregon, that statement would have seemed absurd to some. Unfortunately, in the tense circumstances we currently find ourselves in as a nation, it is not. I have spoken with the Director of ICE’s Boston Field Office. In fact, he reached out directly to me to speak about the incident. This is an important first step. The people of Suffolk County, however, also deserve an explanation. Accordingly, I join Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Lynch, and Congresswoman Pressley in requesting answers regarding this encounter.
“I want to know how often these types of interactions are occurring. Residents of Suffolk County should know that I want them to notify my office of any troubling or questionable encounters with ICE or law enforcement, whether they have video of the interaction or not.
“Our tax dollars pay for this Agency. We all deserve a say in how ICE is policing and patrolling our communities and neighbors.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.