Massachusetts Congressman Brings Alleged Juvenile Assault Suspect to SOTU

Rep. Seth Moulton faces backlash for inviting undocumented immigrant with alleged ties to juvenile investigations to State of the Union address

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton invited Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an undocumented immigrant with alleged ties to juvenile investigations, to attend the State of the Union address as his special guest. Moulton faced backlash for the move, with reports indicating da Silva was a 'person of interest' in two cases involving juveniles and sexual assault. Moulton defended da Silva, calling him a 'great American' and 'patriot', despite the concerning allegations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing political debate around immigration enforcement and the use of undocumented immigrants as political props. It raises questions about vetting processes for guests invited to high-profile political events, as well as the appropriateness of bringing individuals with alleged ties to juvenile investigations into such settings.

The details

According to reports, the Milford Police Department denied public records requests related to two cases from 2021 involving da Silva, citing that they 'involve a sexual assault and juveniles' and 'involve juveniles'. Moulton claimed he had to 'hide' da Silva in his office after the speech due to social media posts about him by the Department of Homeland Security. After the address, Moulton praised da Silva as a 'great American', 'patriot', and 'reminder of what courage looks like', despite the concerning allegations.

  • On February 24, 2026, Marcelo Gomes da Silva attended the State of the Union address as Rep. Seth Moulton's guest.
  • In June and September 2021, the Boston Herald submitted public records requests to the Milford Police Department and Secretary of State's Office regarding da Silva, who was named as a 'person of interest' in two cases.

The players

Seth Moulton

A Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts who invited Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an undocumented immigrant with alleged ties to juvenile investigations, to attend the State of the Union address as his special guest.

Marcelo Gomes da Silva

An undocumented immigrant who attended the State of the Union address as Rep. Seth Moulton's guest. Da Silva was named as a 'person of interest' in two cases involving juveniles and sexual assault, according to public records requests.

John Sanchioni

The Deputy Chief of the Milford Police Department, who denied public records requests related to the cases involving da Silva, citing that they 'involve a sexual assault and juveniles' and 'involve juveniles'.

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What they’re saying

“We all know Marcelo because of his tragic immigration story where he was thrown in a detention facility for days on end, sleeping on a concrete floor and not even given a Bible...and yet throughout that time he insisted on helping others, [was] more focused on translating for other detainees, and helping them contact their families than even his own safety.”

— Seth Moulton, Congressman (MS-NOW)

“The abuses of ICE need to be prosecuted. Not just defunded–prosecuted. They need to be held accountable to the law that they claim to enforce.”

— Seth Moulton, Congressman (Boston Herald)

“According to our review, Marcelo has never been charged with a crime.”

— Spokesman for Seth Moulton (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The Boston Herald has appealed the denial of records from the Milford Police and Milford juvenile court, alleging that Moulton has attempted to politicize the teenager's story into public debate on immigration enforcement by ICE.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and political divides around immigration enforcement, the use of undocumented immigrants as political props, and the need for thorough vetting processes for guests invited to high-profile political events, especially those with alleged ties to sensitive investigations.