Massachusetts’ emergency housing program faces intense scrutiny following the arrest of an undocumented immigrant found with firearms and a large stash of fentanyl.
At a Glance
- Leonardo Andujar Sanchez was arrested at a state-run shelter in Revere, charged with firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
- An AR-15 rifle and $1 million worth of fentanyl were found in his possession at the shelter.
- Governor Healey has ordered inspections and a review of the state’s shelter system.
- State Senator Ryan Fattman has called for reforms in shelter vetting processes.
Arrest Sparks Concerns Over Shelter Security
Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, a Dominican national residing illegally in the U.S., was arrested at a state-run emergency family shelter in Revere. Authorities discovered an AR-15 rifle, large quantities of fentanyl, and cocaine in Sanchez’s possession. Arrested over numerous charges, Sanchez remains in custody without bail, awaiting a hearing related to several felony charges.
The drugs alone carry an estimated street value between $750,000 to $1 million. Sanchez faces significant penalties, including potential life imprisonment and hefty fines, if convicted on these charges.
State Reaction and Policy Review
Governor Maura Healey responded by ordering a review of state-run emergency shelters and their intake processes. Criticizing federal immigration inaction, Healey highlighted the need for stronger border security measures to prevent such incidents.
“It’s outrageous that this individual took advantage of our shelter system to engage in criminal activity. Our administration has been in touch with both local law enforcement and federal immigration officials regarding this case. This further underscores our broken federal immigration system and the urgent need for Congress and the White House to act on a border security bill to prevent criminals from entering our communities. The people of Massachusetts should not continue to have to deal with the impacts of federal inaction.” – Gov. Maura Healey
The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities confirmed terminating Sanchez from the EA system and affirming a federal immigration detainer.
Call for Reforms and Improved Vetting
This incident has spurred discussions regarding the vetting processes within state shelters. Senator Ryan Fattman advocated for substantial reforms, citing this case as evidence of flaws in screening procedures. According to Fattman, “What we’ve started to learn is that the vetting process for a bunch of these individuals is flawed because we’ve had dangerous criminal migrants coming into Massachusetts and inflicting harm upon not just our people, but some of the people in the shelter.”
Revere’s Mayor Patrick M. Keefe, Jr. emphasized the danger posed by Sanchez and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to uphold the law and ensure residents’ safety.
Sources:
- Undocumented immigrant caught with assault rifle, huge drug stash at Revere emergency family shelter
- Man arrested with AR-15, drugs at emergency shelter now facing federal charges
- Illegal immigrant with $1M worth of drugs, guns given free housing courtesy of blue state taxpayers: officials
