Residents’ reports of ICE presence in Waltham left unconfirmed

By AUBREY HAWKE 
Waltham Times Contributing Writer 

Social media posts about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Waltham circulated among residents, including Waltham Public School students, on Thursday, Jan. 30. 

However, federal and local officials either could not confirm whether any immigration enforcement happened in the city, could not be reached, or declined to comment.

The social media posts included photos allegedly showing ICE agents outside the ReNew apartments, which were formerly known as and still often called Gardencrest. 

The Times contacted ICE through multiple channels but did not receive a response. 

A spokesperson for the Waltham Police Department said the department could not confirm the presence of ICE. The spokesperson said local police were unaware whether ICE was present. 

The Times investigated claims that the individuals in the photos posted to social media were affiliated with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A bureau spokesperson said he could not confirm any details of ATF activity in Waltham and did not provide further comment. 

The Times spoke with a manager at ReNew Waltham, who said she could not confirm the presence of ICE and told the reporter to leave the property at the ReNew leasing office.