Border czar Tom Homan could also be headed quickly to the “most secure main metropolis within the nation.” However he had higher watch out to not get mugged in Downtown Crossing.
Whereas Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Mayor Michelle Wu had been high-fiving one another celebrating their “historic run” in protecting the crime charge down, folks have been operating for canopy within the coronary heart of town.
Assaults, robberies, stabbings and drug dealing have triggered a 7-year excessive in crime in Boston’s downtown buying district.
Simply final week, two teenagers had been arrested for allegedly assaulting and robbing a person in Macy’s. Police reported {that a} group of 5 juveniles punched and kicked the sufferer a number of occasions after following him across the retailer and taking video of him. One of many arrested teenagers spat on a police officer who was placing the juvenile in handcuffs, based on police.
However why let the info spoil a superb story for Cox and Wu? They’ve their heads within the clouds, hoping no one notices the assaults, identical to they do with unlawful immigrant crime.
“The town has by no means been safer, interval,” Cox mentioned at a press convention a number of months in the past.
However Homan has seen. Now Cox appears to be like like one of many weaker legislation enforcement officers within the nation as he’s pressured to parrot political speaking factors from the mayor’s workplace.
Cox has mentioned the police will refuse to implement civil detainers from ICE, repeating the declare from the mayor.
“We simply don’t do this,” Cox mentioned this month in a televised interview. “We don’t implement civil detainers relating to federal immigration legislation. It’s outlined right here within the state, and that’s simply the way it works.”
Cox was citing the state’s sanctuary coverage in addition to Boston’s “Belief Act.” However federal immigration officers must implement the legislation because it pertains to unlawful immigrant criminals.
It’s an optics downside for positive – a legislation enforcement chief refusing to implement the legislation. Nevertheless it’s greater than that, it’s a standoff with the feds that would result in town dealing with a funding disaster, one which hurts its unusual authorized residents.
Placing politics over public security is predicted of a pol like Wu, however not of the best legislation enforcement official within the metropolis.
Wu will journey over Andrea Campbell, Maura Healey and Elizabeth Warren within the blue state stampede to grow to be the face of the Trump resistance. However Cox has essentially the most to lose as he’s pushed to the entrance strains of this embarrassing battle to defend immigrants who’ve dedicated crimes right here. He could say that’s not occurring, however the info are clear.
“We simply don’t have the authority to implement federal legislation,” Cox mentioned.
The commissioner’s doubling down of the division’s coverage caught the eye of Homan over the weekend at a conservative political motion convention.
“I’m coming to Boston, I’m bringing hell with me,” the border czar mentioned defiantly.
Homan may wish to take a look at the criminals in Downtown Crossing whereas he’s at it.
However he may wish to keep away from the Mass Pike and its falling chunks of concrete.
Simply one other day within the “most secure metropolis” in America led by the “finest” police commissioner within the nation.
AP Photograph/Jacquelyn Martin, File
Thomas Homan (AP Photograph/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
