The Brookline Police Department stated that it was following department policy when it refused to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the federal law enforcement agency took an illegal immigrant into custody who was later involved in a “public safety concern” while being apprehended by agents.
Police Chief Jennifer Paster penned a letter that informed residents in the local community that local police arrested illegal immigrant Edual Ulloa, 25, following a traffic stop. Brookline Police charged him with having a forged license plate, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for police, traffic offenses, and an outstanding warrant.
“The individual was processed through the normal criminal justice process and later released on bail,” Paster went on to write in the letter. “Prior to the individual’s release, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents provided the Brookline Police Department with an immigration detainer. In compliance with Brookline Police policy, the individual was advised of the notice and a copy was placed into his property,”
Paster then told residents, who allegedly shared “concerns regarding an incident involving federal immigration authorities,” that the department took “no action…to facilitate the ICE detention.” Paster informed readers that Ulloa was soon taken into custody by ICE agents in a public area after Brookline Police released him, according to a report from the Boston Herald.
According to the letter, that’s when things took a turn for the worse. Around 7:45 p.m., the police received a 911 call from ICE agents requesting assistance with Ulloa who “allegedly became disruptive during transport, creating a public safety concern.” Paster then said that officers only responded to monitor the scene and make sure bystanders were safe.
“Brookline officers did not participate in immigration enforcement actions or assist in the detention itself,” the police chief explained, going on to add that officers acted in accordance with department policies, including one known as General Order 43. “We recognize that incidents involving federal immigration enforcement can be distressing for members of the community.
“The Brookline Police Department remains committed to transparency, public safety, and maintaining trust with all members of our community,” Paster stated. Paster first joined the Brookline Police Department in 2000 as an officer. She was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and then to lieutenant in 2017. She became chief of police in 2022 and also has served as deputy superintendent from 2021 to 2024.
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Folks on Facebook had strong reactions to the Brookline Police Department and the police chief’s letter. One individual wrote, “What a disgrace. Police are supposed to uphold the Constitution.” Another person wrote that, “Too many police chiefs are leaning to protect the left and not the taxpaying residents that live in their districts.” Someone else responded to that comment, explaining, “They lean left due to politics in that city and its leaders. I don’t agree with it. Federal law is what it is and if a guy shows up with immigration issues ICE should be notified.” Another summed up the current condition of Massachusetts under Democratic leadership, writing, “Entire state is cooked.”