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May 7, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE, federal partners arrest illegal Dominican national charged with armed robbery in Massachusetts

Local jurisdiction refused to honor ICE detainer and released alien back into community

BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, apprehended an illegally present Dominican national charged with armed robbery in Massachusetts. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with DEA New England and ATF Boston arrested Emerson Esteban Arias-Polanco, 27, in Boston March 20.

“Emerson Esteban Arias-Polanco illegally entered the United States and apparently decided to commit an armed robbery while wearing a mask,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He clearly represents a threat to our Massachusetts residents. It is regrettable that the Norfolk County House of Corrections decided to ignore our immigration detainer and released Arias-Polanco back into the community. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing alien offenders from the streets of New England.”

Arias-Polanco illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

Officers with the Dedham Police Department arrested Arias-Polanco Nov. 30, 2023, and charged him with armed robbery — masked. On May 3, 2024, his case was elevated to Norfolk County Superior Court, and he was indicted for the charge.

ICE Boston lodged an immigration detainer against Arias-Polanco with the Norfolk County House of Corrections Jan. 5, 2025. However, the detention facility refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Arias-Polanco from custody.

Officers with ICE Boston and agents with DEA New England and ATF Boston arrested Emerson Esteban Arias-Polanco, 27, in Boston March 20. Arias-Polanco remains in ICE custody.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

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