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Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger is urging all parties to exercise restraint amidst increasing tension related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Massachusetts. Sheriff Coppinger's appeal comes in the wake of confrontational encounters between federal law enforcement agents and the public in Worcester and Waltham.

"Everybody just needs to take a step back," said Coppinger, who previously led the Lynn Police Department as its chief. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding injury, stating, "We have to maintain the peace - not take sides, but maintain the peace so nobody gets hurt."

As someone who regularly interacts with ICE at the county jail, Sheriff Coppinger highlighted that state laws restrict his ability to detain inmates for ICE once they post bail. Nevertheless, he emphasized that local and federal law enforcement need to communicate more effectively, particularly during street operations to prevent chaos and tension.

Coppinger's call for calm follows a recent incident in Waltham where a woman confronted ICE agents on Moody Street, passionately defending the individuals being targeted by stating, "You’re separating families. These are hard working people. They’re not criminals."

Retired ICE San Antonio Deputy Field Director Julian Calderas has also observed a rise in hostility towards ICE operations. He warned that such confrontations could escalate into violence if agents feel threatened, cautioning the public to express their dissatisfaction in other, safer ways.

Calderas elaborated on the complexities of ICE operations, noting that agents can arrest individuals without presenting a warrant. He clarified that there are different types of orders and warrants, and emphasized that ICE wouldn't approach someone's door without a reason.

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley issued a stern warning on Wednesday, emphasizing that any interference with ICE operations carries significant public and officer safety risks. "The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least. This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks," Foley stated. She vowed to investigate and pursue charges against any public official, public safety officer, organization, or private citizen who unlawfully obstructs ICE activities.

As temperatures rise over immigration enforcement, Sheriff Coppinger's appeal highlights the need for calm and cooperation to ensure the safety of the community and law enforcement personnel alike.