Everett, MA — A 13-year-old boy from Everett, Massachusetts, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being arrested on allegations of making a violent threat against a classmate. The boy’s mother, Josiele Berto, who is from Brazil, has been left in the dark about her son’s whereabouts, which has sparked widespread concern over the treatment of minors in immigration detention.
Berto, who has a pending asylum application with her family since arriving in the U.S. in 2021, says she has been in constant communication with her son through phone calls, which are now her only lifeline to him.
“I only talk to him – never to any official who could explain what kind of place it is or what’s happening,” Berto told CNN, speaking in Portuguese.
Arrest and Initial Confusion
The arrest occurred last Thursday night, after police in Everett informed Berto that her son, Arthur, had been taken into custody. Berto was instructed to pick him up at the police station, but after waiting for over an hour, she was told by an officer that ICE had already taken him.
“They didn’t give me any information,” said Berto. “I asked where he was being taken, and they said they weren’t allowed to say.”
After spending days in limbo, Berto and her attorney, Andrew Lattarulo, finally learned the details of the arrest, including the alleged violent threat made by Arthur at a local school.
The Arrest and Allegations
Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria confirmed in a news conference that police had arrested a juvenile, whom he declined to name, after receiving a “credible tip” accusing the child of making a violent threat against another student.
DeMaria stated that Everett Police did not contact ICE initially and that the arrest had nothing to do with targeting immigrants. However, he remained vague about how federal authorities became involved.
“ICE operates independently and has the authority to access certain law enforcement databases and take action on its own accord,” DeMaria said.
But Tricia McLaughlin, the top spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, later provided more details in a statement, claiming that Arthur had an extensive criminal history and was found in possession of a firearm and knife during the arrest.
“Here are the facts: he posed a public safety threat with an extensive rap sheet including violent assault with a dangerous weapon, battery, breaking and entering, destruction of property,” McLaughlin posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, Mayor DeMaria was adamant that no gun was found during the arrest.
“No guns were found,” DeMaria said.
Concerns Over Minor’s Due Process
Arthur’s attorney, Lattarulo, strongly criticized the public commentary about a juvenile’s alleged criminal history, stating that it was inappropriate and violated the boy’s due process rights under the Fifth Amendment.
“Regardless of the nature of the allegations, they remain just that – allegations – and every individual is entitled to due process of law,” Lattarulo said. “That principle applies even more strongly to a minor who is far below the age of legal consent.”
Lattarulo also pointed out the legal concerns with Arthur being transferred to a detention facility out of state, saying it raises serious questions about the access to legal representation and the government’s intentions.
Ongoing Family and Community Support
Berto remains devastated by the separation from her son and the lack of communication with officials. As the legal process unfolds, community members have rallied in support of Arthur, urging his immediate release from immigration detention.
“Arthur must be returned home, now!” said Jessica Gold Boots, a local high school teacher at an Everett City Council meeting.
Berto has expressed growing fear over her family’s future as their asylum application remains pending. She said the situation has added extra stress, with the possibility of deportation looming over their heads.
“Since our asylum process is still pending, we were already afraid, and now the fear has grown,” said Berto. “We don’t know if they’ll come for us next.”
Arthur’s case has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of immigrant children in detention and the lack of transparency in such cases.
What are your thoughts on this case and how the immigration system handles minors? Share your views in the comments below.
