Federal agents swept through the wealthy enclaves of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, arresting 40 illegal immigrants including MS-13 gang members and a child sex offender who had been living among the elite vacation destinations of America’s rich and powerful.
Key Takeaways
- ICE and federal partners arrested approximately 40 illegal aliens on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, including MS-13 gang members and a child sex offender.
- The operation involved coordination between ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, and the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighting strong interagency cooperation.
- These arrests occurred in the same wealthy communities that protested when Governor Ron DeSantis sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard three years ago.
- Local law enforcement was informed but did not participate in the federal operation.
- The raids sparked fear among immigrant communities on the islands, with many avoiding leaving their homes.
Federal Agencies Unite to Remove Criminal Aliens from Elite Vacation Spots
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by multiple federal agencies, executed a major immigration enforcement operation on the upscale Massachusetts islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The operation specifically targeted illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds, resulting in the arrest of approximately 40 individuals. Among those detained were members of the notorious MS-13 gang and at least one convicted child sex offender, demonstrating President Trump’s administration’s commitment to removing dangerous criminal elements from American communities regardless of where they hide.
“ICE officers and FBI, DEA and ATF agents worked together to arrest a significant number of illegal alien offenders which included at least one child predator,” ICE wrote in a statement. “Our partners in the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated a safe and efficient transport of the alien offenders off Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, ensuring the safety of the residents of those communities,” stated ICE.
Tactical Excellence in Removing Criminal Threats
The U.S. Coast Guard played a crucial role in the operation, providing safe transportation for the detainees off the islands. The operation involved traffic stops similar to those conducted in Nashville in previous enforcement actions. While the Nantucket Police Department was informed about the operation, they did not actively participate, as this was a federal initiative targeting specific individuals with known criminal backgrounds or immigration violations. This targeted approach exemplifies the precision with which ICE is carrying out President Trump’s directives on immigration enforcement.
“Operations like this highlight the strong alliances that ICE shares with our fellow law enforcement partners,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde.
Kimberly Milka of the FBI Boston Division emphasized that the operation “highlights FBI Boston’s ongoing commitment to supporting our partners at the Department of Homeland Security with identifying and apprehending those who are breaking the law by violating our immigration laws and, in some cases, committing crimes that endanger public safety.”
Ironic Twist for Elite Sanctuary Communities
The operation carries a touch of irony, occurring three years after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022, which prompted outrage from island residents. Despite their initial claims of welcoming illegal immigrants, the wealthy enclave quickly moved to transport the migrants off the island. Now, federal authorities have discovered that dangerous criminals had been hiding in these same communities all along, potentially endangering the very residents who had opposed enforcement actions in the past.
The raids caused considerable anxiety within the islands’ immigrant communities. “People in general are extremely afraid,” Luciene Alves, a Brazilian housekeeper told the Nantucket Current. “They are in a panic. They don’t know what to expect for tomorrow and the other days to come.”
Continuing Enforcement and Public Safety Focus
ICE has been using social media to warn illegal aliens about the consequences of not self-deporting, making it clear that enforcement actions will continue. The public is encouraged to report suspected immigration violations to the ICE Tip Line or online. This operation represents a tangible example of the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing public safety by removing those who pose threats to American communities, regardless of where they may be hiding – even in the nation’s most exclusive coastal enclaves.
