ICE Holds “Criminal Illegal Alien” in Federal Custody Pending Removal Proceedings; 2022 Rape Allegations Did Not Advance Past Probable Cause Hearing [LATEST UPDATE!]
HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS — Altiman Peterkin, a Jamaican national arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations during a targeted operation in Hyannis, remains in federal custody at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility as removal proceedings continue, according to ICE New England after an information request by Hyannis News.
In a July 20 response to Hyannis News, ICE confirmed Peterkin was arrested on June 25, 2026 — earlier than the agency’s initial July 15 public statement. The agency described him as a “criminal illegal alien” with a history that includes three rape charges, assault and battery of a family or household member, and threatening to commit murder. ICE stated he will stay in custody “pending removal proceedings.”
“Our message is clear: if you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, arrest you, and you will never return,” ICE New England said in its statement. “Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.”
Court Records Show Mixed Outcomes
Court documents obtained by Hyannis News from filings in Orleans District Court provide additional context on Peterkin’s prior legal matters.
On March 30, 2022, criminal complaints were issued against Peterkin for three counts of rape (G.L. c. 265, § 22B) and one count of assault and battery on a family or household member (G.L. c. 265, § 13M(a)). The alleged offenses were dated September 25, 2021. The case had been transferred from Barnstable District Court to Orleans District Court.
A probable cause hearing was held on October 21, 2022. According to court notes, witnesses including a Barnstable police officer testified, and exhibits (including photographs) were entered. The court’s final notation states: “NO PC found after hearing.”
Peterkin reportedly has a prior conviction for assault and battery on a family or household member, according to ICE’s description of his criminal history.
Between 2022 and 2025, Peterkin was named as the defendant in four small claims actions. No details on the outcomes of those cases were immediately available in the reviewed records.
(Note: As of this reporting, Hyannis News has not located court records related to the alleged “threats to commit a crime” and “threatening to commit murder” charges referenced in ICE’s initial statement.)
Housing Dispute at Stevens Street Address
Around the time of the ICE enforcement action and public announcement, court and public records show activity at Peterkin’s reported address — Village Marketplace Condominiums, 185 Stevens Street, Unit 2D, Hyannis.
On July 10, 2026, the landlord issued a “Notice to Pay Rent or Quit,” demanding $4,988.50 in past-due rent and late fees for the period of May through July 2026. The notice stated there was “no agreement between you and the landlord to live in or rent the home” (likely directed at a second occupant of the premises, not Peterkin…) and warned of possible eviction proceedings if the amount was not paid by July 29.
On July 15, a tow notice was affixed to a black BMW parked at the address. Court documents indicate the vehicle belongs to a second individual living at the unit. That individual later filed a request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, citing alleged threats to leave the premises, a warning sticker on the car, and statements about changing locks and posting “no trespassing” signs.
On July 16, 2026, Altiman Peterkin is named “plaintiff ” in a civil court filing, alleging “Landlord Interference with Quiet Enjoyment” under G.L. c. 186, § 14.
Local Reaction
Individuals who know Peterkin told Hyannis News they were shocked by the arrest and ICE’s characterization of him as a dangerous criminal illegal immigrant. They expressed difficulty reconciling the agency’s description with the man they know.
(Note: According to one friend, Peterkin may have previously held a valid green card that was not renewed in recent years. This information has not been confirmed by ICE.)
Peterkin is presumed innocent of any charges unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The three rape allegations from 2021 did not result in a finding of probable cause and did not proceed further in the criminal justice system (according to court documents on record). However, Peterkin reportedly has a prior conviction for assault and battery on a family or household member, according to ICE’s description of his criminal history.
ICE has made clear it intends to pursue removal. Peterkin remains in custody at Plymouth County Correctional Facility while those proceedings continue.
Hyannis News will continue to monitor the case and any further developments in both federal immigration proceedings and local court matters.
For reference, the following is the text of the initial ICE media statement provided on July 15, 2026 (prior to the above Hyannis News updates):
ICE Boston arrested Altiman Peterkin, a criminal illegal alien from Jamaica, during targeted operations in Hyannis, Mass. Peterkin’s criminal history includes conviction for assault and battery on a family or household member. He has been arraigned for three counts of rape, assault and battery of a family or household member, threats to commit a crime, and threatening to commit murder. Thanks to ERO Boston, another dangerous criminal alien is off the streets of our communities.”
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