Table of Contents
A couple in Marblehead expressed confusion and concern after observing what appeared to be federal agents detaining landscaping workers on Beach Street on Thursday morning around 8:30 a.m.
According to resident Matt Wolverton, officers wearing green vests marked “FBI” were seen handcuffing at least one individual against a landscaping truck at the intersection of Beach and Atlantic streets. Witnesses described the operation as involving several unmarked vehicles.
Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King told the Marblehead Independent: “My only comment is that as a practice we would not share information with the public when an outside agency is conducting operations in town. We were not notified, nor asked to assist, but are aware of the reports of activity.”
Wolverton, a local attorney residing on Beach Street, approached the scene and identified himself as legal counsel fluent in Spanish, offering to assist the detained individuals. He reported that officers instructed him to move along, citing an active scene.
“I said, ‘Is there anything that I can do to assist? I’m an attorney, and I speak Spanish,’” Wolverton recounted. “One of the officers then somewhat firmly asked me to move along.”
His wife, Sarah Fox, who observed the incident while walking home , promptly contacted local schools regarding potential safety concerns for vulnerable students.
“They had green vests that said FBI,” Fox stated.
The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood where landscaping trucks frequently operate, raising questions about the targeting criteria used during the stop.
“It’s supposed to be liberty and justice for all, you know. U.S. citizens are not all, and it’s sort of like, where’s the Fourth Amendment rights at this point?” Wolverton said. “No warrant, nothing. They can just stop anyone on the street and take them to wherever.”
Wolverton said an immigration attorney who happened to be jogging through the area also stopped to observe but was similarly prevented from offering assistance.
The operation lasted approximately 30 minutes, with several neighborhood residents gathering to witness the events.
The alleged detention occurred amid ongoing national discussions about immigration enforcement and federal agency operations in local communities. No information has been released about whether charges were filed or the current status of those detained.
This a developing story. The Independent has reached out not only to the landscaping company but also the Boston FBI field office for comment. Stay ahead in Marblehead — sign up for The Marblehead Independent’s free newsletter and get local news with historical context delivered to your inbox: tinyurl.com/5256pyj7
