An Indian national accused of assaulting a man with a baseball bat has been arrested by federal authorities in the United States. Dhaval Amratbhai Patel was first arrested by the Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts on May 16. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
According to the police report, Patel got into an argument with a customer at the liquor store where he worked. The dispute allegedly escalated when Patel grabbed a baseball bat and struck the man.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement on Wednesday (27) that local authorities in Massachusetts did not cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The DHS statement said that "sanctuary politicians in Massachusetts" failed to notify ICE before Patel was released from jail.
ICE officers later arrested Patel on May 18.
According to DHS, Patel had entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and time.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized local authorities for releasing Patel after his initial arrest.
"The illegal individual 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," Bis said.
"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."
The case has added to ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local governments over cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies.
