U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston played a critical role in helping the Revere Police Department identify Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, a 28-year-old Dominican national accused of numerous firearm and drug-related offenses. Sanchez was residing in a state-funded migrant shelter at the time of his arrest on December 27.
Currently in state custody, Sanchez faces multiple charges, including possession of dangerous weapons and drug trafficking. ERO Boston has lodged an immigration detainer against him, ensuring federal custody upon his release.
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“Mr. Andujar has been accused of serious crimes, and ERO Boston takes its public safety mission very seriously — which is why we’ve lodged an immigration detainer against him with Revere police,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has charged him with possessing dangerous weapons and drug trafficking, and with the Revere Police Department’s cooperation, we intend to take him into ICE custody upon his release.”
Revere Police arrested Sanchez on December 27 after discovering evidence of his alleged involvement in firearm and drug offenses. Following the arrest, local authorities contacted ERO Boston for assistance in identifying Sanchez, who had no verifiable U.S. documentation.
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During a Spanish-language interview with ERO officers, it was determined that Sanchez unlawfully entered the United States at an unknown location sometime within the past year. ICE officers immediately lodged an immigration detainer against him.
Sanchez was arraigned in Chelsea District Court on December 30. The charges against him include:
- Possessing a firearm and a large-capacity feeding device.
- Possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
- Being an alien in possession of a firearm.
- The unlicensed sale or possession of an assault weapon.
- Trafficking in 200 grams or more of heroin, morphine, opium, or fentanyl.
While Sanchez remains in state custody, the immigration detainer ensures he will be transferred to ICE custody upon the conclusion of his state legal proceedings.
If convicted on the state charges, Sanchez could face significant prison time before being subject to deportation proceedings.
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