Yesterday, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted an enforcement action at Fantasy Nails on Low Street in Newburyport.
Based on the information we have received, ICE agents entered the business and detained one male employee before leaving the area. We have also received deeply concerning eyewitness accounts that agents entered the business with guns drawn. This was an incredibly frightening and traumatic experience for the employees and customers inside the business, as well as those who witnessed what occurred.
I want to be very clear that the City of Newburyport and the Newburyport Police Department did not participate in this operation and were given no advance notice that ICE agents would be conducting enforcement activity in our community.
The City of Newburyport does not condone the manner in which this operation was carried out. Federal immigration enforcement should never come at the expense of the safety and sense of security of an entire workplace or surrounding community.
At this time, we are continuing to gather information and speak with those who were involved or witnessed what occurred. We will share additional information as we are able to confirm it.
Most importantly, I want to speak directly to our immigrant community. If you are an immigrant living, working, raising a family, or running a business in Newburyport, please know that you are a valued member of this community. We care about you, and you are part of what makes Newburyport the welcoming and vibrant city that it is.
Anyone seeking assistance or additional information is encouraged to contact City Hall or visit the City’s website at https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/mayors-office/pages/resources-for-immigrants-in-massachusetts for available resources.
We will continue working to understand exactly what happened today and to support those in our community who have been impacted.
Mayor Sean R. Reardon
