U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 1,500 people in Massachusetts during May as part of “Operation Patriot,” targeting individuals with criminal records, including drug traffickers, sex offenders, and fugitives.

ICE officials said 790 of those arrested had “significant criminality,” though they didn’t define the term clearly.

The crackdown has sparked controversy, particularly over arrests of undocumented immigrants without criminal records and criticism of sanctuary policies in the state.

Governor Maura Healey called for greater transparency, while ICE defended the operation as essential for public safety, NBC 10 Boston has reported.

The enforcement has triggered fear in communities and resistance from immigrant advocates.

Written by B.C. Begley