Approximately 40 individuals were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a series of traffic stops on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket on Tuesday. The operation involved collaboration between ICE, the FBI, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
On Martha’s Vineyard, ICE agents conducted traffic stops in unmarked vehicles. A trade worker, Thiago Alves, who owns L&R Electrical Services, confirmed that one of his employees—who holds a green card—was stopped and questioned before being released. Alves stated that similar stops were made for other work vans on the island, indicating a broad approach by law enforcement.
Witnesses reported seeing numerous traffic stops and federal officers detaining people. One anonymous resident expressed concern about the situation, noting that agents were forcibly removing individuals from their vehicles.
On Nantucket, several individuals were reportedly transported off the island in handcuffs by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. Local police were made aware of the ICE operation but did not provide assistance.
ICE’s operation resulted in about 40 arrests, including individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, such as an MS-13 gang member and at least one child sex offender. Kimberly Milka, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, emphasized the collective effort to enforce immigration laws and enhance public safety.
Despite the abrupt nature of these enforcement actions and the associated concerns, they serve to underline law enforcement agencies’ commitment to addressing criminal activities linked to immigration violations. As communities respond to these developments, open dialogues may foster understanding and address safety concerns in a constructive manner.