The wealthy enclave of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is reeling after a local daycare center was shuttered following the revelation that a Brazilian fugitive and convicted child rapist, Andre Tiago Lucas, had been residing there. The daycare, owned by Franciele Nunes, is now at the center of a swirling controversy involving immigration enforcement, state policies, and the safety of children.
This shocking incident has ignited a fierce debate about the effectiveness of background checks, the state’s ‘Right to Shelter’ law, and the potential risks associated with the influx of migrants. State Representative Steven George Xiarhos voiced his outrage, questioning how such an individual was allowed into the country and the daycare setting. This article delves into the details of the case, exploring the legal and political ramifications, and examining the broader implications for community safety.
Brazilian Fugitive Found Housed in Cape Cod Daycare
Andre Tiago Lucas, wanted in Brazil for the rape of a 13-year-old child, was arrested by ICE ERO in Bourne, Massachusetts, in October of last year. Lucas had been sentenced in Brazil to nine years and four months in prison in 2016 but fled the country, eventually settling in Cape Cod. The international fugitive was living with Franciele Nunes at her home daycare in Hyannis.
“It’s absolutely disgusting and shameful, and it never should have happened, but it doesn’t shock me,” Massachusetts Republican State Rep. Steven George Xiarhos told Fox News Digital. “I was a police officer for 40 years right here on Cape Cod in the county of Yarmouth, so I’m familiar with background checks. I’m familiar with people who break the law. … This never should have happened. Someone like that, first of all, never should’ve been in the country, and then never should’ve been in Massachusetts, but he was, and how did that happen?”
The situation has sparked widespread concern and outrage among local residents and officials, highlighting potential failures in the system designed to protect vulnerable populations.
Daycare Inspections Failed to Detect Fugitive
Despite five separate inspections by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), no evidence of Tiago Lucas’s presence was found at Nunes’s daycare. Nunes had been a licensed daycare provider for three years. This raises serious questions about the thoroughness and effectiveness of the inspection process and the ability of regulatory agencies to identify potential risks.
The fact that a convicted child rapist could reside undetected in a licensed daycare facility underscores the urgent need for improved oversight and more rigorous background checks. Parents are now left wondering how such a lapse could occur and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Political Fallout and the ‘Right to Shelter’ Law
The incident has quickly become a political flashpoint, with Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy criticizing Gov. Maura Healey’s policies, claiming they make Massachusetts a ‘sanctuary state.’ Kennealy stated that Tiago Lucas’s presence in the daycare is ‘the direct result of Maura Healey’s policies that make Massachusetts a sanctuary state—a place where lawbreakers know they’ll be shielded from accountability.’
Massachusetts is the only state in the country with a Right to Shelter law, enacted in 1983, guaranteeing housing for families and pregnant women without housing. While intended to address homelessness, the law has faced increasing strain due to the influx of migrants and a lack of affordable housing options. This has led to a vast network of migrant shelters, costing the state millions in taxpayer dollars since 2021.
Gov. Healey has made adjustments to the law in January, including requiring criminal background checks, but critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the underlying issues.
Calls for Stronger Background Checks and Cooperation
State Representative Xiarhos emphasized the need for more thorough background checks, advocating for cooperation with federal law enforcement. ‘It starts with [being a] secure nation, and we have to do real background checks, not just a CORI [Criminal Offender Record Information] check,’ Xiarhos said.
He further added, ‘And I know how to do it. We should be cooperating with federal law enforcement. Everybody has their own job to do, but you can share and work together to be safe.’ The call for enhanced collaboration between state and federal agencies highlights the complexities of ensuring public safety in an era of increased mobility and immigration.
Future of Nunes and the Daycare Center
It remains unclear whether Franciele Nunes will face charges in connection with Tiago Lucas’s fugitive status. Fox News Digital has reached out to Barnstable police for comment. The daycare center has been shuttered, leaving parents scrambling to find alternative care arrangements for their children.
The incident has cast a long shadow over the community, raising concerns about the vetting process for daycare providers and the safety of children in their care. The outcome of any potential legal proceedings against Nunes will likely have significant implications for the future of daycare regulations and oversight in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts’ Reputation as a Sanctuary State
Mike Kennealy asserted that Massachusetts’ sanctuary policies endanger communities and put vulnerable children at risk. ‘Under Healey’s leadership, our communities are endangered, and our most vulnerable—our children—are put at risk,’ he stated.
He also vowed to end sanctuary protections for fugitives if elected, emphasizing the need to restore common sense and prioritize public safety. ‘There will be no more sanctuary protections for fugitives. No more blind eye to public safety. I will restore common sense to Beacon Hill and make it clear: if you’re here illegally and have committed a violent crime, you will not find refuge in Massachusetts,’ Kennealy said.
Key Takeaways and Future Implications
The Cape Cod daycare incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with inadequate background checks, porous borders, and the challenges of balancing humanitarian concerns with public safety. The case has exposed vulnerabilities in the system and ignited a debate about the effectiveness of current policies.
The future implications of this incident are far-reaching, potentially leading to stricter regulations, increased scrutiny of daycare providers, and a reevaluation of Massachusetts’ ‘Right to Shelter’ law. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and the community, while addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration and public safety.
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