DHS defends school area operations after Chelsea man describes handcuffing

Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near schools in northern Massachusetts has triggered anxiety among local families. The tension intensified after a man in Chelsea described being physically restrained by federal officers on Thursday morning.

The man, who requested anonymity, said he was walking to a store when three or four individuals approached him from behind. They handcuffed him and questioned him despite his claim of lawful status. He stated that agents shouted the name of a suspect they were seeking and identified him as that person.

Gladys Vega, director of the advocacy group La Colaborativa, witnessed the encounter and recorded the interaction. Vega noted that a female agent speaking Spanish instructed a colleague to check the man's wallet. She reported that the man produced a copy of his legal resident identification card. The agents released him after reviewing the document.

The man described the emotional aftermath of the stop. He said he was still trembling hours later, expressing shock at the length of the incident. His account adds to growing concerns in Revere and Chelsea, where parents fear sudden separations.

The Department of Homeland Security responded to inquiries about the activity near schools. The agency stated that schools are not a target. It cited operational security reasons to protect its agents and declined to comment on specific police operations.

Carmen Chicas, a parent in Revere, said she is instructing her children on emergency procedures. She told them to call their father or another close relative if an emergency occurs. The strategy aims to provide a clear protocol for children during unexpected stops.

La Colaborativa is currently expanding its support network. The organization is offering phone and virtual services. Staff members are also visiting homes to assist families who require direct help following the recent incidents.