Mexican Consul General for New England Alberto Fierro GarzaPhoto: Madison Rogers/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The top Mexican diplomat for New England is addressing concerns over what the Trump administration calls "the largest massive deportation operation in history."
Federal agents were seen conducting a suspected Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in East Boston Wednesday, which saw at least one person taken into custody.
Federal agents were also spotted in Everett and Chelsea. In an open letter to the community Thursday, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez said there were no arrests of Chelsea residents to their knowledge.
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On Wednesday night, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the administration had arrested "538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors."
The immigration crackdown has sparked fears among migrants across New England, according to Mexican Consul General for New England Alberto Fierro Garza.
"I go downstairs every day and talk with them, and there is worry," Fierro Garza told WBZ NewsRadio Friday.
Fierro Garza, who estimates there are "around 150,000 Mexicans" in New England, said even people with green cards tell him they are worried they could be targeted in raids. However, Fierro Garza added, there is still so much uncertainty.
"The methods that we’re giving is to stay calm, but to be prepared, to have documents ready," Fierro Garza said.
As for the concern there could be raids in places like schools or churches, Fierro Garza said, "I think they’re just rumors. It’s part of a campaign to spread fear, but I would say people should continue with their regular lives, but just be careful."
Fierro Garza struck a similar tone on President Trump's threat of blanket tariffs on Mexico.
"We still have to wait," he said.
WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.