ICE arrests illegal Guatemalan national charged with assaulting police officer in Massachusetts

CHELSEA, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Guatemalan national charged with assault and battery on a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon. Officers with ICE Boston arrested Luis Javier Chavez-Galiego, 20, in Chelsea Feb. 8.

“Luis Javier Chavez-Galiego illegally came to this country and apparently assaulted members of our Massachusetts community to include an officer of the law,” said ICE Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He represents a threat to our community that ICE Boston will not tolerate. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders.”

USBP arrested Chavez after he illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas, Feb. 24, 2019. USBP served Chavez with a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

The Chelsea, MA District Court arraigned Chavez Sept. 20, 2024, for two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The Chelsea District Court arraigned Chavez Feb. 5 for default warrants, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and three counts of assault and battery dangerous weapon – shod foot. Later that day, ICE Boston lodged an immigration detainer against Chavez with the Chelsea District Court; however, the court refused to honor the detainer and released Chavez from custody.  

Officers from ICE Boston arrested Chavez in Chelsea Feb. 8. Chavez 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.