ICE Arrests 65 in Sanctuary State Operation Targeting Gangs

Federal immigration authorities said a multi-agency operation in Connecticut led to the arrest of 65 people accused of being in the country illegally. Many of those arrested have serious or violent criminal histories.

The sweep, called Operation Broken Trust, happened just days after the state expanded its sanctuary law. The timing has sparked debate over public safety and how much local police should cooperate with immigration enforcement.

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Communities from Hartford to Stamford felt the impact of the arrests. Residents and officials across Connecticut are now discussing law enforcement’s role in federal immigration policy.

Background on “Operation Broken Trust”

The four-day operation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and support from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, and ATF. Agents focused on people suspected of involvement in transnational organized crime, gang activity, and other high-level offenses.

ICE described the effort as a focused initiative, not a random sweep. They say their goal was to remove individuals they believe threaten community safety.

Impact of Connecticut’s Trust Act Expansion

Connecticut recently expanded its Trust Act, strengthening sanctuary protections statewide. The law limits local police—from Bridgeport to New Haven—from honoring most ICE detainer requests.

Acting ICE Boston Field Office Director Patricia Hyde criticized the policy. She argued it forces agents to make at-large arrests in public places instead of secure handoffs from jails.

Details of the Arrests Across Connecticut

Out of the 65 people arrested, 29 had been convicted of or charged with serious crimes in the United States. Officials listed offenses such as:

Kidnapping and violent assaults
Sex crimes, including offenses against minors
Weapons violations
Drug trafficking and narcotics distribution
Child cruelty and exploitation

Criminal Histories from Abroad

ICE said several arrestees had violent criminal records in their home countries, including Ecuador, El Salvador, Venezuela, Guatemala, India, and Peru. Some detainees were suspected gang members tied to transnational criminal groups.

In cities like Norwalk and Danbury, agents reported finding people with outstanding foreign warrants and alleged links to organized narcotics rings.

Federal vs. Local Law Enforcement Tensions

Connecticut’s sanctuary policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. ICE claims they had to make arrests in neighborhoods, workplaces, and other public spaces as a result.

In places like Waterbury and New Britain, this meant more surveillance and resources. Agents say this approach increased risks for both them and the public.

Community Safety Concerns

Acting Director Hyde argued that not holding offenders for ICE leads to dangerous people being released back into communities. Supporters of the Trust Act say limiting ICE cooperation protects immigrant families and helps build trust in local police.

They also worry about racial profiling. The operation has stirred up more debate in towns from Stamford to Middletown about safety and civil rights.

Next Steps for the Detainees

All 65 people arrested during Operation Broken Trust remain in ICE custody. They now face removal proceedings, deportation, or transfer to their home countries for outstanding criminal charges.

Federal officials say these arrests show a targeted approach to public safety. Critics, though, question the long-term impact and worry about family separations.

Broader Implications for Connecticut

This operation highlights just how tangled things have gotten between federal immigration enforcement and Connecticut’s cities and towns. In places like Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, Waterbury, New Britain, and Middletown, people are talking again about how to balance law enforcement, immigrant rights, and keeping communities stable.

Immigration is still one of those topics that stirs up strong feelings and arguments. Connecticut’s next moves here will shape how these operations play out—maybe even where they happen next.

Here is the source article for this story: ICE arrests 65 illegal aliens in sanctuary state operation targeting gangs, transnational organized crime

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