Early in the morning on Tuesday, July 7, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) detained Alex Souza, a local homeowner, in Acton’s Indian Village neighborhood. Souza was on his way to work in his landscaping company’s vehicle.
Town Manager John Mangiaratti confirmed later that ICE took someone into custody on Nashoba Road early that morning. He said a nearby resident witnessed the event and was not sure what had happened, and called the Acton Police Department. Acton police responded and walked through the property where Souza had been taken, and helped the residents feel safe.
Kaylan Oliver, an Indian Village resident, reported that she was “woken up by Acton PD telling me that there was an abduction in my front yard. Four police cars, checking my house, my yard perimeter, my shed, only to find out it was ICE, all while my toddler was sleeping upstairs. It was terrifying and horrible…”
The Acton police also reached out to the company that owns the truck that was left behind at the scene and were able to confirm that it was an Acton resident, Alex Souza, who had been taken into custody. Acton Police notified Souza’s family and offered assistance, including social services. Mangiaratti said he was proud of the department’s response.
According to a friend and neighbor, the Souza family has lived in Acton for more than 10 years, and in Indian Village for about 5 years. Alex Souza came to the US about 22 years ago and has since raised a family and started a business that employs numerous people. They are active members of the St. Bridget parish in Maynard. She said that the Souzas are a family that is very involved and is known as a family who gives back to the community. “Alex Souza is a kind man,” she added.
A friend, Kristin Marachi, has been raising funds for the family through Gofundme. She said the Souzas are overwhelmed and thankful for the support so far.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge said, “I know the family from outreach to the Brazilian community. The husband is a business owner. He has no criminal record. He is a great member of the Acton-Boxborough community and I am outraged that he has been arrested by ICE. I am writing a letter in support of him being released.”
State Rep. Dan Sena said he has known the family for many years and they attend the same church as he does. “They are good people,” he said.
ICE did not notify the Acton Police Department about this incident before it occurred. Select Board Chair Alissa Nicol said, “This type of immigration enforcement is undermining trust in law enforcement which makes the local police job more challenging.”
