A former director of a Massachusetts migrant shelter has spoken out about the disorder and dysfunction he observed within the state's emergency housing program. Jon Fetherston, who oversaw a shelter in Marlborough from November 2023 to July 2024, criticized the state's handling of the migrant influx, highlighting the strain on resources and the lack of adequate vetting procedures.

Massachusetts has allocated substantial taxpayer funds, nearly $1.1 billion this fiscal year, to accommodate and provide for the continuous stream of migrants, many of whom are housed in repurposed hotels. Fetherston claims this has sometimes led to citizens in need being denied access to shelters due to overcrowding and prioritization of migrants.

The state's right-to-shelter law, enacted in 1983, mandates the provision of housing for displaced families and pregnant women. While the state's shelter capacity reached its limit of 7,500 families in 2023, migrants continue to utilize these resources.

Illegal immigrants line the floors of a terminal at Boston Logan Airport as Massachusetts' shelters are overrun. (WBZ)

Fetherston's concerns were amplified by a recent incident involving a Dominican Republic national residing in a state-funded hotel room. The individual was apprehended for possessing an AR-15 and a significant quantity of fentanyl. Fetherston questioned the existing vetting procedures, suggesting a lack of oversight and proactive case management.

Meshach Little of Northill Wilkston Security Firm walks the perimeter of the main living area at the state's emergency overflow shelter for migrants at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

While the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities asserts that security personnel are present at each facility and warrant checks are conducted monthly, Fetherston disputes witnessing such practices during his time as a director. He also noted that shelter staff were often hired based on language proficiency rather than relevant experience, potentially contributing to the overall disorganization.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, right, visit the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, which was being used to house more than 300 immigrants. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Fetherston described instances of domestic violence, violence against children, and violence among residents. He also highlighted the difficulty in controlling access to the facilities due to understaffing, leading to unauthorized individuals entering and families disappearing from the shelter without notice.

Pictured are items allegedly found in Leonardo Andujar Sanchez's possession when he was arrested at a Revere, Massachusetts, migrant shelter on Dec. 27. (ERO Boston)

A recent Supreme Court ruling prohibits shelters from requiring identification or documentation from families seeking short-term housing. Fetherston argues this makes Governor Healey's call for increased vetting of shelter residents to ensure legal U.S. residency practically unenforceable.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey held a press conference announcing significant action related to the state's emergency shelter system. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Fetherston recounted having to turn away American citizens, including veterans, due to prioritization of migrants, further illustrating the strain on the system. He attributes the ongoing issues to a lack of planning and appropriate oversight from the state government, emphasizing the unique nature of Massachusetts' right-to-shelter law and the resulting lack of experience in managing such a situation.