LAWRENCE, MA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested a Dominican national in Lawrence on Feb. 1 who had previously been charged with multiple violent offenses, including assault with intent to rape and strangulation.
Key Points
- ICE arrested Dominican national Gregori Thomas Romero in Lawrence on Feb. 1
- Romero was previously charged with violent crimes in Boston and released before ICE could detain him
- He had illegally entered the U.S. in July 2023 and was ordered to appear in immigration court
Gregori Thomas Romero, a Dominican citizen unlawfully present in the U.S., was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston team. He faces charges including assault to rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault on a family or household member, and strangulation or suffocation.
Romero was initially apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol near San Luis, Arizona, on July 9, 2023, after unlawfully crossing the border. He was issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.
Boston Police arrested Romero on September 11, 2024, in connection with the violent offenses. ICE officials attempted to issue a detainer, but Romero was released from custody before it could be enacted.
“Romero represents a significant threat to the law-abiding residents of Massachusetts that we cannot tolerate,” said Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE ERO Boston. “ICE Boston stands firmly committed to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from the streets of New England.”
ICE now holds custody of Romero as removal proceedings continue.
ICE officials rearrested a Dominican national accused of violent crimes after his release from local custody in Massachusetts.
