At least 40 immigrants detained in ICE sweep across southeastern Massachusetts
Sep 21, 2026·Location: New Bedford, MA

At least 40 people were detained by ICE agents in roadside stops and workplace encounters across New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fall River, Massachusetts, according to Gov. Maura Healey and immigrant advocacy groups, with arrests also reported at Cumberland Farms, Market Basket, near fish houses, and at a Dunkin' on Nauset Street. A review of court records for 23 of the men by the New Bedford Light found 19 had no criminal charges beyond immigration-related misdemeanors, consistent with national data showing most ICE detainees lack criminal convictions. Video footage showed agents tackle and apply a taser to Augusto Lopes Vemba, a 40-year-old asylum-seeker from Angola, after he ran during his arrest near Acushnet Avenue. Attorneys with the Habeas Project of New England, a team of 20 volunteer lawyers, have filed habeas corpus petitions in federal courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to contest the detentions and prevent transfers out of state.
Sources
- At least 2 dozen immigrants detained in ICE arrest wave across New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fall River
WGBH·Sep 22, 2026·archived copy
- Immigrants, attorneys describe 'chaotic' few days of ICE detentions on South Coast
capeandislands.org·Sep 28, 2026·archived copy
- Families seek answers after about 30 ICE detentions on SouthCoast | U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss Of Massachusetts 4th District
auchincloss.house.gov·Sep 24, 2026
- The South Coast is facing another surge in ICE activity. Lawyers say this time seems different.
Boston Globe·Sep 23, 2026
- Majority of detainees in South Coast ICE raids have no criminal records - The New Bedford Light
newbedfordlight.org·Sep 30, 2026
More incidents in Massachusetts
- Babson College student deported to Honduras despite judge's order, now fights for returnOct 5, 2026 · Boston, MA
- ICE raids chill immigrant businesses and community in New BedfordOct 3, 2026 · New Bedford, MA
- North African man pressured to self-deport amid Uganda deportation threatOct 2, 2026 · Plymouth, MA
- Waltham asylum seeker deported to Uganda despite pending appeal windowSep 30, 2026 · Waltham, MA
- Angolan asylum seeker tackled, tased at neck during New Bedford ICE arrestSep 30, 2026 · New Bedford, MA
- Three Honduran brothers detained by ICE in New Bedford grocery store parking lotSep 28, 2026 · New Bedford, MA