Boston, MA – Jon Fetherston, the former Director of a Massachusetts migrant shelter, has come forward as a whistleblower, exposing deeply disturbing and inhumane incidents within the state’s emergency shelter system. Fetherston has shared firsthand accounts of harrowing events he personally witnessed, shedding light on atrocities that have been deliberately concealed from public view.

In one horrifying case, a migrant father repeatedly raped his own daughter during their journey to the United States and after their arrival, resulting in a pregnancy. When this atrocity was uncovered, the father was not arrested. Instead, he was quietly relocated to another shelter in Worcester. This appalling failure by the state to take immediate action not only denied justice but also created the potential for him to victimize others in yet another emergency housing center.

In another disturbing case, a school reached out to Jon Fetherston after noticing a student, residing in a state-funded EA shelter, appeared to be in distress. It was later revealed that the girl had been subjected to ongoing rapes within the shelter. Thankfully, Fetherston took swift action, escorting the girl to the police station, where she courageously reported the abuse.

Fetherston also detailed violent altercations among residents in EA shelters, including a shocking incident where one individual hurled scalding hot soup at another. His own safety was gravely threatened when a disgruntled migrant deliberately rammed their car into the side of the building housing Fetherston’s office, putting his life at risk.

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale issued a statement regarding recent revelations, saying:

“Massachusetts residents have been kept in the dark about the conditions within emergency housing shelters for migrants. The shocking stories coming to light underscore just one reason why the Healey-Driscoll Administration needs to put an end to its open door policy welcoming migrants.

Governor Healey and the Democratic supermajority have fostered a humanitarian disaster right under our noses, and I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg. Victims will never see justice unless there is true transparency and accountability. This issue transcends partisanship-every policymaker and elected official must step up and demand answers about what is happening inside these shelters. Without a full understanding of these disturbing incidents, we cannot address the systemic failures or protect women and children from further harm.

This cannot be ignored. Every citizen and leader must demand that Governor Healey provide transparency about the conditions and incidents occurring in these shelters. Ignorance is not an option. What we know so far is horrifying and unacceptable. For the safety of our communities, the migrant population, and the long-term residents of Massachusetts, we must uncover the truth and take meaningful action to resolve these issues.”