Massachusetts GOP leader suggests reevaluating the right to shelter law following the arrest of a migrant accused of rape.

The Massachusetts Republican Party leader suggested that lawmakers should reconsider and modify the laws protecting the right to shelter for migrants.

On Thursday, Cory Alvarez, 26, was arrested by Rockland, Mass., authorities for aggravated rape of a child. He has pleaded not guilty and has been ordered held without bail, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.

Alvarez was accused of sexually assaulting his accuser at a Comfort Inn that is part of a state and federal program to house migrants. He resided at the hotel, according to prosecutors. Massachusetts, like other states, has experienced an influx of migrants from the southern border, which has put a strain on services and housing resources.

The arrest of Alvarez highlights the state's challenge in managing the migrant crisis, according to MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale.

"It is crucial to distinguish between suitable and unsuitable ways of handling this issue, she stated in a Thursday statement. The recent event highlights our state's ongoing challenge in managing the migrant crisis, and the influx of more migrants may intensify the likelihood of such distressing events. There is an urgent need to reassess and revise the legislation regarding the right to shelter."

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the Massachusetts Republican Party.

The alleged rape incident has troubled State Rep. David DeCoste, a Republican representing the Rockland area.

"The migrant crisis has serious public safety implications for both residents and migrants, as it has been going on for a long time. I am deeply disturbed by the incident that occurred in Rockland, particularly the abuse that the young girl has reportedly experienced. The Commonwealth has let this young girl down."

On June 26, 2023, Alvarez legally entered the United States through New York City, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He utilized the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole processes to enter the country, as per Department of Homeland Security sources.

In October 2022, a policy was introduced that permitted a restricted number of Venezuelans to fly directly into the U.S., provided they had not entered the country illegally, had a U.S. sponsor, and passed specific evaluations.

The Biden administration declared in January 2023 that the program would be extended to include Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans, and that it would permit up to 30,000 individuals per month to enter the U.S.

On Friday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, described the alleged rape as a "horrible occurrence."

Healey responded to Boston 25's inquiry about the adequacy of the vetting process by stating, "I believe we have the appropriate systems in place."

DeCoste disagreed.

"He told the news outlet that it is tragic and unfortunately not uncommon, and to claim that you are truly vetting anyone is dishonest."

Plymouth County authorities have been requested by ICE to detain Alvarez, who is scheduled to appear in court on March 22.