Governor’s Bold Response to Shelter Drug Scandal

Clear Facts

• Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed outrage after a migrant was found with drugs and a firearm at a shelter.
• The suspect, Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, was caught with fentanyl, cocaine, and an AR-15 rifle at a hotel used as a shelter.
• Governor Healey ordered inspections of shelter units and called for federal action on immigration and border security.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is now facing a challenging situation within her own state. Recently, a migrant was allegedly found with nearly $1 million worth of drugs and an AR-15 rifle at a hotel temporarily used as a shelter.

“It’s outrageous that this individual took advantage of our shelter system to engage in criminal activity,” Governor Healey stated, responding to the news of the arrest.

The individual in question, Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, a Dominican Republic native, is facing serious charges related to firearms and drug trafficking. He was discovered at a Quality Inn in Revere, Massachusetts, which is currently serving as a shelter. Authorities reported that Sanchez was in possession of ammunition, large-capacity magazines, fentanyl, and cocaine, with an estimated street value of at least $750,000.

A Chelsea District Court judge has deemed Sanchez dangerous, and he is being held without bail. Reports indicate that Sanchez entered the U.S. illegally last year and managed to obtain an ID from the New York shelter system.

In response to this incident, Governor Healey has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all shelter units, starting with the Revere site. She has also initiated a full review of the state’s intake processes to identify additional measures to prevent criminal activity in shelters.

“This further underscores our broken federal immigration system and the urgent need for Congress and the White House to act on a border security bill to prevent criminals from entering our communities,” Healey emphasized.

She added, “The people of Massachusetts should not continue to have to deal with the impacts of federal inaction.”

Governor Healey’s stance on immigration has been clear since 2023, when she stated that migrants are “drawn here because we are and proudly have been a beacon to those in need.” Shortly after the election, she vowed to obstruct President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement plan, asserting that state police would “absolutely not” cooperate with the expected mass deportation efforts.

“I do think it is important that we all recognize that there is going to be a lot of pressure on states and state officials,” Healey said. “I can assure you we’re going to work hard to deliver.”

Tom Homan, President-elect Trump’s “border czar,” has previously warned state and local officials about obstructing federal efforts to apprehend illegal immigrants. “If they don’t want to help us, then get the hell out of the way, we’re going to do it,” Homan stated.

Massachusetts, like many states, is grappling with the surge of migrants arriving from the southern border. To manage the situation, Governor Healey has had to place restrictions on shelter programs to prioritize state residents.

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