DHS Criticizes Sanctuary Policies After Alleged Bat Attack by Released Immigrant Sparks Controversy

EXCLUSIVE: In a recent turn of events, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized Massachusetts’ sanctuary policies following the arrest of an illegal immigrant by ICE. This individual is accused of assaulting a man with a baseball bat, mere days after local authorities allegedly released him without informing federal officials.

Dhaval Amratbhai Patel, an undocumented immigrant hailing from India, found himself in legal trouble after his apprehension by the Worcester Police Department on May 16. He now faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

According to a police report, the incident began with an argument between Patel and a customer at the liquor store where Patel was employed. The confrontation escalated, leading Patel to seize a baseball bat and strike the customer, as detailed by DHS.

Patel, now facing serious charges, remains at the center of a debate surrounding sanctuary policies. The situation escalated after the Massachusetts court reportedly refused to honor a detainer, which led to his subsequent arrest by ICE.

MIGRANT ACCUSED OF VIOLENT CRIMES ARRESTED BY ICE AFTER MASSACHUSETTS COURT REFUSED TO HONOR DETAINER

Officials said sanctuary politicians in Massachusetts did not cooperate with ICE law enforcement, and Patel was released from jail without notification to immigration authorities. 

ICE arrested Patel two days later on May 18, according to DHS.

FILE – Police cars outside of the Worcester Police Headquarters in Worcester, MA. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

“This illegal alien from India thought he could go around beating people with a baseball bat. Sanctuary politicians released him from jail after his arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon,” said DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis. “Sanctuary politicians must stop choosing to release criminals into our communities and work with DHS to get criminals out of country.”

“By refusing to cooperate with ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians are putting the safety of their citizens at risk,” Bis added.

FILE — The exterior of the Worcester Police Headquarters in Worcester, MA. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

It is unclear where and when Patel illegally entered the U.S.

The Worcester Police Department and Worcester County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.