Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A home daycare in Cape Cod has closed its doors following the revelation of a fugitive child predator residing there. The individual, Andre Tiago Lucas, was identified as an illegal immigrant from Brazil, with a history of child rape charges in his home country.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston arrested Lucas in Bourne last October. He is wanted for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Brazil. Massachusetts Republican State Representative Steven George Xiarhos expressed his outrage, stating that the situation is both ‘disgusting and shameful’ and that it should not have occurred. Xiarhos has extensive law enforcement experience, including 40 years as a police officer on Cape Cod.
Having been convicted of raping a vulnerable person in 2016, Tiago Lucas received a sentence of over nine years but fled Brazil before being apprehended in the United States.
Fugitive’s Presence in a Daycare
Reports indicate that Tiago Lucas was living with daycare provider Franciele Nunes at her facility in Hyannis. Local news investigations uncovered that Nunes had operated her daycare for three years, while Department of Early Education and Care records confirmed five inspections with no evidence found of Lucas’s presence during those checks.
Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE ERO Boston, noted in a statement that Lucas believed he could evade justice while living in Massachusetts.
Background Checks Under Scrutiny
Representative Xiarhos raised concerns regarding the need for enhanced background checks for individuals residing in Massachusetts. He emphasized that more rigorous checks, beyond the Criminal Offender Record Information—known as CORI—are essential for ensuring community safety.
Xiarhos advocates for a cooperative approach between local and federal law enforcement agencies to improve safety measures in the community.
Challenges Posed by Migrant Influx
With Massachusetts experiencing a significant increase in migration, the state’s Right to Shelter law has been a focal point of contention. Enacted in 1983, this legislation ensures housing for families and pregnant women without homes but has led to challenges in accommodating the rising number of migrants.
Experts note that the current situation has resulted in over $3 billion in taxpayer dollars spent on migrant shelters since 2021 due to the influx of people seeking assistance.
Xiarhos lamented the fact that conditions today differ vastly from those 40 years ago when the Right to Shelter law was implemented, indicating that no one anticipated such a surge in demand.
Policy Changes and Political Reactions
Governor Maura Healey announced potential amendments to the Right to Shelter law in January, which include mandatory criminal background checks. This proposal comes in response to growing concerns about public safety and accountability.
Gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy voiced his concerns, attributing the circumstances surrounding Tiago Lucas’s presence in a daycare to policies that render Massachusetts a sanctuary state. He argued that such policies may hinder law enforcement efforts and compromise community safety.
Kennealy vowed to implement stricter measures if elected, promising a crackdown on illegal residents with criminal histories and a renewed focus on public safety.
Future Uncertainties for Daycare Provider
The future remains uncertain for Franciele Nunes, the daycare provider. It is unclear whether she will face charges related to the situation involving Tiago Lucas and his fugitive status. Efforts are ongoing to determine the extent of her involvement, and local authorities are investigating further.
The implications of Tiago Lucas’s arrest and the subsequent closure of the daycare facility have raised critical questions regarding oversight and safety in light of the challenges posed by the increasing number of migrants in Massachusetts.
As the situation unfolds, local leaders call for a more secure environment that prioritizes the welfare of children and its communities. Discussions surrounding immigration policy, background checks, and community safety remain at the forefront of public dialogue.
The troubling case has underscored the complexities of balancing immigration needs with public safety, prompting ongoing conversations among legislators and the community. The need for effective policy changes that address these concerns is more relevant than ever.
