Roslindale Business Owner Moves Car After ICE Detainment

Neighbors say ICE agents pulled driver from vehicle, leaving it in the street

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:31pm

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A business owner in Roslindale, Massachusetts moved a car off a busy street after neighbors said they witnessed ICE agents pull the driver out of the vehicle. The keys were left in the ignition of the Ford Fusion, prompting the business owner to move it to prevent it from being towed. Witnesses described seeing two unmarked Ford Explorers circling the area before the incident, which unfolded across the street from a bilingual childcare center and minority-owned businesses.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns among the Roslindale community about the actions of ICE agents and the impact on residents, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. There are questions about the legality and ethics of the operation, as well as how it affects the sense of safety and security in the neighborhood.

The details

According to witnesses, the keys were left in the ignition of the Ford Fusion after ICE agents pulled the driver out of the vehicle. Josh Muncey, who owns a real-estate office nearby, moved the car off the busy street to prevent it from being towed. Neighbors described seeing two unmarked Ford Explorers circling Roslindale Square before the incident, which took place across the street from a bilingual childcare center and minority-owned businesses.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday morning, February 6, 2026.

The players

Josh Muncey

A business owner in Roslindale who moved the car off the busy street to prevent it from being towed.

Enrique Pepén

A Boston City Council member who witnessed the aftermath of the ICE operation and referred to it as an 'abduction'.

Jose Perez-Antonio

The individual arrested by ICE officers, who had criminal charges including trafficking cocaine and fentanyl, as well as identity theft.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who issued a statement defending the ICE operation.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's kind of sloppy and seems like a disorganized, hurried, scary way to operate. To think about taking somebody in their car and leaving their car in the street and running away.”

— Josh Muncey, Business owner (boston25news.com)

“How are people in this community supposed to feel in any way safer? You're taking one of our neighbors and leaving their car running on the street.”

— Amy Littlefield, Neighbor (boston25news.com)

“To say that this is scary and not right is an understatement. I personally was coming out of Square Root after the incident, unaware of the heinous act that just occurred until business owners alerted me. No one should be scared to do their daily errands regardless of their status - especially in our vibrant community. And no one should be witnessing these grave injustices.”

— Enrique Pepén, Boston City Council member (boston25news.com)

“ICE did NOT abduct anyone. We did arrest a criminal that this sanctuary politician and his policies RELEASED from their jails to terrorize more innocent Americans.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary (boston25news.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jose Perez-Antonio to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns within the Roslindale community regarding the actions of ICE agents and the impact on immigrant residents. It raises questions about the legality and ethics of such operations, as well as the broader implications for community trust and safety.