Before this meeting could take place, the Mortaras were arrested on the orders of the Mayor of Alatri, himself following a request from the town's bishop, and despatched back to Rome.
Sebelum pertemuan tersebut dilakukan, keluarga Mortara ditangkap atas perintah Wali kota Alatri, mengikuti permintaan dari uskup kota tersebut, dan disuruh kembali ke Roma.