Boston, MA – On February 20, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Boston arrested Roodney Cleeford Martinez, a Haitian national described by officials as a criminal illegal alien.
According to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston, Martinez has an extensive criminal history in the United States, including 28 adult arraignments since his entry into the country. The arrest highlights the case as part of ongoing efforts to target individuals with significant criminal backgrounds who are in the U.S. unlawfully.
ICE often prioritizes enforcement actions against noncitizens with convictions or pending cases involving serious offenses as part of its public safety mandate.
The arrest comes amid heightened immigration enforcement activities nationwide, including in the Boston region, where ICE has focused on individuals with criminal histories.
This case underscores ongoing debates over immigration enforcement priorities and public safety in communities across Massachusetts.
ICE Boston photo.