A former Massachusetts migrant shelter director has issued a stark warning about rising crime rates across Boston and its suburbs. Jon Fetherston, who previously managed a state-run shelter in Marlborough, revealed a troubling uptick in violent incidents—including domestic abuse, sex trafficking, shoplifting, and auto accidents—following the shutdown of migrant housing facilities.
Fetherston highlighted that these shelters were already known for serious misconduct, and dispersing their residents into the broader community has seemingly made matters worse. He emphasized that Boston, which he described as once a “great city,” now faces visible signs of decline.
The alert comes as the Trump administration prepares to intensify immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like Boston. Some officials plan to deploy additional ICE personnel and potentially National Guard units. Boston’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Maura Healy, have pushed back—calling any federal intervention “political theater” and continuing to reject cooperation with immigration enforcement.