10/08/2026
I am deeply upset by the detention of Carlos Maldonado Valle, a 21-year-old Provincetown resident and Community Service Officer with the Provincetown Police Department.
I want the community to know that we are doing everything we can to bring Carlos home.
Since learning of his detention yesterday, we have been working urgently to assist Carlos and his attorney in securing his release. I have personally reached out to Governor Maura Healey’s Office, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Ed Markey’s Office, and Congressman Bill Keating’s Office, and members of the Provincetown Select Board, all of whom have offered their assistance and support. Police Chief Greg Hennick and I have also submitted letters advocating for Carlos’ immediate release.
I am grateful to our Congressional delegation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Select Board, Carlos’ attorney Rachel Self, Chief Hennick, Deputy Town Manager Dan Riviello, and everyone who has stepped up to help.
Last night, as a result of our advocacy yesterday, a federal judge issued an emergency order temporarily preventing Carlos from being transferred out of Massachusetts or removed from the country while his case is reviewed. We hope to make more progress today. But that is not enough. Carlos belongs at home in Provincetown, not in federal custody.
Carlos has done nothing wrong. He does not deserve what is happening to him, and he should be released immediately so he can return home to his family and the community he loves and serves.
Carlos came to this country as a child and has spent much of his life in Provincetown. He is a hardworking, compassionate, and selfless young man who has dedicated himself to helping others and dreams of becoming a police officer.
During the devastating winter storm this past February, when Provincetown was without power for four days, Carlos worked nearly around the clock at our emergency shelter, caring for residents, many of whom were elderly or had significant medical needs. When our community needed him most, Carlos was there without hesitation. Now, when Carlos needs us, we will be there for him.
While this wasn’t the result of any ICE enforcement activity in Provincetown, the circumstances surrounding his detention are still deeply troubling. Carlos was simply returning home from Puerto Rico when his flight was diverted to Bermuda because of another passenger’s medical emergency. Through absolutely no fault of his own, he now finds himself in federal custody, separated from his mother, his colleagues, and his community.
This is not how someone who has followed the law, worked hard, and dedicated himself to public service should be treated. Carlos represents exactly the kind of young person we should be supporting and encouraging, not detaining.
To Carlos and his family: Please know that your community stands behind you. We will continue doing everything within our power to advocate for your release and bring you home.
Provincetown is a community that takes care of its own. Carlos has demonstrated that commitment to our community time and time again. Now it is our turn to stand up for him.
We are calling for Carlos’ immediate release so he can come home to his mother, return to his colleagues at the Provincetown Police Department, and continue serving the community that means so much to him.
For those wishing to help, community members have created a GoFundMe to help support Carlos, his family, and their legal fees. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/legal-support-for-carlos-maldonado
