The leader of the Massachusetts Republican Party said lawmakers should review and modify laws on the right to shelter immigrants.
Cory Alvarez, 26, was arrested Thursday by authorities in Rockland, Massachusetts, and pleaded not guilty to a single count of aggravated rape of a child. He was ordered held without bail, the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said Friday.
Alvarez's accuser said he sexually assaulted her at a Comfort Inn that is part of a state and federal program to house immigrants. She lived at the hotel, prosecutors said. Massachusetts, like other states, has received an influx of immigrants from the southern border, impacting housing services and resources.
MAYORKAS CALLS POLICY THAT ALLOWS 30,000 MIGRANTS TO FLY EACH MONTH A 'KEY ELEMENT' OF BORDER PLAN AFTER LEGAL GAIN
Cory B. Alvarez allegedly raped a teenage girl at a motel where he lived, which housed immigrants. Álvarez entered the United States legally in 2023 in New York City and is being held without bail. (FoxNews)
MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said Alvarez's arrest exemplifies the state's struggle over how to handle the immigration crisis.
“It is imperative to discern between appropriate and inappropriate methods to address this effort,” he said in a statement Thursday. “The recent incident exemplifies our state's struggle to effectively manage the immigration crisis, and the influx of additional immigrants may exacerbate the likelihood of such a situation occurring.” distressing events. “There is a pressing need to review and amend legislation relating to the right to housing.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Massachusetts Republican Party.
State Rep. David DeCoste, a Republican who represents the Rockland area, said he was concerned about the alleged rape incident.
“As it illuminates the genuine public safety ramifications for both residents and immigrants themselves, arising from the long-standing immigration crisis,” he said. “I am absolutely shocked by the incident that took place in Rockland. Above all, my deepest condolences are extended to the young woman who has reportedly been abused. The Commonwealth has failed this young woman.”
DHS WARNS ILLEGAL HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING BY BOAT “IMMEDIATE REPATRIATION”
Pedestrians and commuters fill a street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced Tuesday that he would resign once a transitional presidential council is created, bowing to international pressure to make way for new leadership in the country overwhelmed by violent gangs. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)
Alvarez entered the United States legally on June 26, 2023 through New York City, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News. He entered the United States through the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) parole processes, Department of Homeland Security sources told Fox News.
The policy was initially announced for Venezuelans in October 2022, allowing a limited number to fly directly to the US as long as they had not entered illegally, already had a sponsor in the US and passed certain checks.
In January 2023, the Biden administration announced that the program was expanding to include Haitians, Nicaraguans and Cubans and that the program would allow up to 30,000 people to enter the United States per month
On Friday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, called the alleged rape a “terrible incident.”
“It's a horrible situation. It's a horrible accusation. My thoughts are with the victim and his family,” he said.
This undated image shows Cory Alvarez, accused of aggravated rape of a child. (FoxNews)
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When asked by Boston 25 if the vetting process was adequate, Healey said, “I think we have the right systems in place.”
DeCoste disagreed.
“This is tragic and unfortunately not uncommon,” he told the news outlet. “And to be able to honestly say that you're actually investigating someone I think is dishonest.”
ICE has filed a detainer request for Alvarez with Plymouth County authorities. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 22.
