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Salvadoran man arrested by ICE in Chelsea, Massachusetts amid homicide extradition case

Sep 2, 2026·Location: Chelsea, MA

Country of origin: El Salvador

ICE Boston arrested Leonel Santos-Diaz, a twice-deported migrant from El Salvador, during targeted immigration enforcement operations in Chelsea, Massachusetts. ICE alleged he is wanted in El Salvador on charges including aggravated homicide, human trafficking, and resisting arrest, and is a suspect in an ongoing investigation there. An ICE official criticized Massachusetts' 'Protect Act' sanctuary law for allegedly shielding him from arrest and deportation.

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