Federal immigration authorities apprehended a 19-year-old Guatemalan national and MS-13 gang member in Massachusetts last week. Luis Adolfo Guerra Perez was already facing state charges related to firearms and had a prior deportation order against him before being released by a Boston court.

ICE agents arrested Guerra Perez on January 22nd. Acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Guerra Perez, as an undocumented gang member, demonstrated a disregard for U.S. law. Hyde highlighted his alleged possession of a high-capacity firearm and drugs, and reiterated ICE's commitment to public safety.

Guerra Perez's history with law enforcement began in March 2021 after illegally crossing the southern border. He was initially apprehended by Border Patrol and given a notice to appear in immigration court. Despite this, he was released in May 2021. An immigration judge subsequently ordered his deportation in October 2024.

However, on January 3rd of this year, an East Boston District Court arraigned him on multiple charges, including possession of a large-capacity weapon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm without a permit, and possession of ammunition. Despite an ICE detainer request, the court, citing sanctuary policies, released Guerra Perez on January 22nd. He is currently in federal custody.