Mass. Governor Orders Shelter Inspections After Arrest

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered inspections of all state-run emergency shelters following the arrest of Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, a 28-year-old undocumented immigrant, who was found with an AR-15 rifle and approximately $1 million worth of fentanyl at a Revere hotel serving as a shelter. This incident has raised significant concerns about the security and integrity of the shelter system, prompting Healey to call for a full review of intake processes to prevent further criminal activity. Sanchez faces multiple charges, including firearm possession and fentanyl trafficking, and has been deemed dangerous by a judge, leading to his detention without bail. Healey emphasized the need for federal immigration reform, stating that the case highlights systemic issues and the urgent need for congressional action on border security. The Quality Inn in Revere is one of many hotels utilized as emergency shelters in Massachusetts, and the state is working to phase out this practice over the next 18 months. Local and federal law enforcement have been in communication regarding the case as officials seek to address the implications of federal immigration policies.