ICE Boston arrest leads to federal charge for Dominican alien

BOSTON – An ICE Boston immigration enforcement operation led to a federal charge for an illegally present, 53-year-old Dominican alien, who has previous convictions for weapons and drug crimes. A federal grand jury indicted Antonio Gonzales for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested Gonzales May 7.

“Antonio Gonzales has not only been previously removed from the U.S, he also has convictions for weapons and drug crimes,” said ICE ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He presented a threat to the residents of our New England communities that we refuse to tolerate. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien threats from our neighborhoods.”

ICE officers previously removed Gonzales from the U.S to the Dominican Republic on Sept. 15, 2004. Gonzales’ criminal history includes convictions for criminal in possession of a weapon in March 1994 and criminal in possession of a controlled substance in November 2000. He allegedly unlawfully reentered the U.S sometime after his September 2004 removal.

If found guilty, Gonzales faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Furthermore, Gonzales would be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting this case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)