Full Breakdown
Detention of 13-Year-Old Boy by ICE Sparks Outrage in Everett, Massachusetts
10/15/2025, 8:01:54 PM
Overview of the Incident
A 13-year-old boy from Everett, Massachusetts, identified as Arthur Berto, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his arrest by local police. The incident occurred last Thursday after police received a credible tip alleging that Arthur had made a violent threat against another student at his school. While his mother, Josiele Berto, was informed to pick him up from the police station, she learned after waiting for over an hour that ICE had taken him into custody. Arthur is currently being held at the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Winchester, Virginia, over 500 miles from his family.
Legal Proceedings and Due Process Concerns
Following the detention, Arthur's attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court, arguing that his detention violates his Fifth Amendment rights to due process. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns ordered ICE to justify the detention by a specified deadline or provide a bond hearing. The court's involvement underscores the legal complexities surrounding the case, particularly given Arthur's age and the family's pending asylum application since 2021.
Conflicting Accounts of the Arrest
The circumstances surrounding Arthur's arrest have generated significant controversy. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, claimed in a social media post that Arthur posed a public safety threat and was in possession of a firearm and a knife at the time of his arrest. However, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and Police Chief Paul Strong refuted these claims, stating that only a knife was recovered and no firearm was found. This discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of federal statements and the treatment of minors in immigration enforcement.
Community Response and Advocacy
The detention has sparked outrage within the Everett community, leading to protests and calls for Arthur's immediate release. Local advocates and city council members have criticized ICE's actions, labeling the agency as "rogue" and demanding accountability. Community members expressed fears about the implications of such detentions on immigrant families, particularly those with pending asylum cases. Josiele Berto has voiced her distress over the situation, stating, "Right now, I just want my son free."
Broader Implications
The case highlights ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations. Mayor DeMaria emphasized that the Everett Police Department does not make arrests based on immigration status and did not contact ICE regarding Arthur's case. The incident raises critical questions about the intersection of public safety and immigration enforcement, particularly concerning minors.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the growing criticism, Mayor DeMaria reiterated that the police acted to prevent potential violence and that ICE operates independently. He stated, "Once an individual is taken into ICE custody, the city of Everett and the Everett Police have no authority or control over what happens next." Meanwhile, Representative Ayanna Pressley condemned the actions of ICE, calling the situation "abductive" and highlighting the inhumane conditions faced by minors in detention.
What's Next
As the legal proceedings unfold, the court's decision regarding Arthur's detention will be pivotal. The family continues to seek legal representation and support from the community to navigate the complexities of the immigration system. The case remains a focal point for discussions on immigration policy and the treatment of vulnerable populations in the United States.
