LYNN — Friday afternoon, 18-year-old Zeneyda Barrera was officially released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being arrested and held by them on Monday.
Barrera had been charged with assault and battery after an argument with her brother early Monday morning. However, due to being a first-time offender, Barrera was going to be placed into Essex County District Attorney’s Youthful Diversion Program.
The program is for first-time, non-violent Juvenile and Youthful Offenders and offers appropriate counseling and education services, community service, and restitution instead of going to court, according to Mass.gov.
“When she was first brought into the courthouse, as we do in a case like this, we had been ready to put her into a diversion program, which is standard and appropriate for first-time offenders,” District Attorney Paul F. Tucker explained.
“We put it on the docket at court, and then shortly after that, and before we were able to put her in diversion, she was taken by ICE,” he said.
Tucker said that there was immediate concern about the situation. “This morning, my office made the determination to dismiss the charges and bring back the opportunity for her to go into diversion, which we will do the first of the week. As of this afternoon, she has been released from ICE custody and reunited with her mother.”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said that he is relieved that Barrera was released and reunited with her family.
“We appreciate all the coordination that has taken place with various local, state, and federal agencies. Public safety is always priority for us. What is concerning about cases such as this one is the potential chilling effect it could have on the good policing that the Lynn Police Department does on a regular basis if people are afraid of the implications of contacting law enforcement,” he said.
Nicholson continued that the department does not ask for immigration status and cares deeply about keeping the entire community safe.
“We have been in direct contact with the Barrera family, along with the federal delegation, to communicate our support and connect her with resources, mainly in the form of legal representation and, working with Lynn Public Schools, obtaining documentation needed in her immigration case,” Nicholson said.
He said that ICE should consider all the circumstances when taking any enforcement action. “If ICE’s intent is to target violent offenders who put our community at risk, people like Zendeyda should not be detained.”
Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools, Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez, said, “I am very grateful for her release and that we are able to support the student when she returns to her family, to find their place here in Lynn, and for her to get back to the school setting.”
Congressman Seth Moulton also worked on the release of Barrera. He said, “I am grateful for the cooperation across local, state, and federal authorities, including Senators Warren and Markey. Our priority has always been the well-being of this young woman and her family.”
He continued to say that this incident underscores the importance of compassion and understanding in legal processes, especially for the youth.
Barrera’s attorney, Patrick Callahan, thanked Tucker and the members of his office who “Reviewed the matter and made the right and just decision to end the prosecution of this case so that she may participate in their diversion program.”
Callahan also thanked Moulton and his staff for assisting Barrera and her family during this situation.
“Lastly, I would like to thank Mayor Jared Nicholson, who has provided a tremendous amount of support for Zeneyda’s family all week long,” he said.
