An Indian national, Dhaval Amratbhai Patel, has been arrested in the United States after allegedly assaulting another individual with a baseball bat. The Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts initially apprehended Patel on May 16, charging him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
According to the police report, the incident occurred at the liquor store where Patel was employed, following an argument with a customer that escalated into physical violence. Patel reportedly seized a baseball bat and struck the other person during the confrontation.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed concern over Massachusetts “sanctuary” policies, stating that local authorities did not coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As a result, Patel was released from custody without informing ICE officials. Following his release, ICE arrested Patel on May 18.
DHS officials noted that Patel had entered the U.S. illegally, with details about the timing of his entry remaining unclear. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized “sanctuary politicians” in Massachusetts for their lack of cooperation with federal law enforcement. “Sanctuary politicians must stop choosing to release criminals into our communities and work with DHS to get criminals out of the country,” Bis added. “By refusing to cooperate with ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians are putting the safety of their citizens at risk.”
