In a recent development, over 20 individuals have been expelled from Massachusetts' emergency migrant-family shelter program due to "inappropriate actions," according to information obtained by the Herald.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has issued 22 "separation from household" letters to individuals in the Emergency Assistance family shelter program, effectively removing them from the program and referring them to individual adult homeless shelters.
This information was revealed through a public records request by the Herald, following the report of a 29-year-old man being ejected from a hotel in Marlboro that provides shelter to migrant families. A 16-year-old girl residing at the hotel had obtained a restraining order against the man.
Out of the 22 "separation from household" letters, 21 cited "inappropriate actions" within the migrant-family shelter program as the reason for expulsion. The letters, penned by Chris Thompson, undersecretary in the states Division of Housing Stabilization, stated that the actions of the individuals raised concerns for the safety of families in the program. The letters further stated that these actions suggested a background unsuitable for a program housing families. The reason for the 22nd individual's removal was redacted.
The emergency shelter system in Massachusetts provides housing for over 7,500 families, including migrants from other countries and local residents. Jessica Vaughan, of the Center for Immigration Studies, expressed concern over the number of people being expelled from the family shelter program. She highlighted the potential issues that could arise from an open border policy and a welcoming stance in Massachusetts.
Vaughan also pointed out the inability of federal authorities to conduct meaningful vetting due to the overwhelmed border. She criticized the state's approach of referring expelled individuals to adult homeless shelters, suggesting that they should be reported to ICE for removal.
In response to the Herald's inquiry about the safety and security of the shelter program, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities stated that the safety and wellbeing of families in the Emergency Assistance program was a priority for the Administration. The spokesperson added that residents are required to adhere to shelter rules, and violation of these rules could result in termination from the program.
The issue of safety in the shelter program was brought to the forefront a few months ago when a migrant was accused of raping a disabled girl at a local shelter. The case involving 26-year-old Cory Alvarez, a national from Haiti, sparked a Congressional inquiry and led to increased criticism of the emergency shelter system in Massachusetts, particularly from Republican quarters.
Alvarez, who entered the U.S. lawfully through a federal program and underwent two state sex offender checks, was found dangerous in March and remains held without bail. He was screened and vetted against national security and public safety databases when he entered the U.S., and no "derogatory information" was found, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The Herald continues to seek information on the 29-year-old man expelled from the Holiday Inn in Marlboro, which provides shelter to 149 families. Both the Marlboro Police and Marlboro District Court have declined to provide information due to ongoing investigations and legal restrictions.
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