Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents descended on North Plymouth early Friday morning in a surprise visit that Police Chief Dana Flynn said raised safety concerns and Select Board Chair Kevin Canty called “unacceptable.”
It is unclear what or who ICE was looking for, but Flynn said he was unaware of any arrests.
In a press release, Town Manager Derek Brindisi’s office said that “to the town’s knowledge, the federal ICE operation that took place this morning was concentrated in North Plymouth and did not occur at any schools or on school property.”
The scene was caught on video by Lori Fitzpatrick, who lives on Standish Avenue. Fitzpatrick said she was approaching Perry’s Market at 6:55 a.m. when she saw three ICE officers.
In the video, Fitzpatrick can be heard approaching one officer, asking him what the nature of the operation was.
“Don’t worry about it,” he responded.
“No, I am worried about it,” Fitzpatrick replied.
“Do not walk up on me,” the officer told her. “You’re going to get arrested.”
Another ICE officer walked toward Fitzpatrick and said,
“You need to leave. Go across the street.”
Fitzpatrick refused to do so and was threatened with arrest.
“I will not be arrested,” she said. “I’m here as a citizen and I’m videotaping this. This is illegal, what’s happening here. Not in our community.”
Before driving away, one of the officers said, “Have a nice day.”
There were no signs of any detainees.
Fitzpatrick, who works at Cold Spring Elementary School, told the Independent that the episode was frightening.
“As a member of the community of North Plymouth and working as a teacher with children who are immigrants, it was very frightening to think maybe it was one of my students’ parents they were looking for.”
The neighborhood has a large Brazilian population.
Fitzpatrick said she saw a white SUV used by the ICE agents farther down Standish Avenue at 9:15. Canty reported that he also saw the vehicle.
Flynn said federal agents did not notify his department that they were coming to town Friday. But several weeks ago, he said, ICE did say that it was planning an operation in Plymouth.
Fitzpatrick’s video, which was posted on Facebook, immediately set off a firestorm of rumors and a stream of anti-immigrant comments.
“My concern is without knowing they’re conducting an operation, rumors start flying around the community,” Flynn said. “Think about it — we get a call that masked men with guns are at a location. We’re going to have to respond appropriately. Things could turn ugly.”
Canty called the agency’s behavior “unacceptable” as it “puts all law enforcement personnel and residents at risk.”
“ICE should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.
In a statement, the Plymouth Democratic Committee expressed its “outrage” over the incident.
“Many of us have seen the distressing images and videos circulating on social media, and it’s clear this action has caused heartbreak and fear throughout our community,” it wrote.
“As Plymoutheans, we must remember that our town was founded by immigrants. This community has always stood for hope and refuge, and it’s especially painful to see federal actions here that betray that spirit,” it said.
Flynn said he is also worried about residents interfering with the work of federal agents.
“These ICE agents are doing their job… their sworn duty,” he said. “My concern is there are strict federal laws about interfering with a federal investigation. One of our residents — even if well intentioned — could find themselves in a jam they may never be able to climb out of.”
Flynn reiterated that under state law, his department cannot cooperate with federal agents seeking to detain undocumented immigrants who have not committed any crimes.
ICE did not respond to a request for comment.
Fred Thys can be reached at fred@plymouthindependent.org .
Andres Estes can be reached at andrea@plymouthindependent.org .