Immigration Raids Hit Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket: 'They Were Just Grabbing People Out of Their Cars'

Federal immigration enforcement operations in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket resulted in the arrest of approximately 40 individuals this week, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The agency stated that among those detained were a documented MS-13 gang member and a child sex offender, though no further details were provided about the remaining individuals.

The coordinated effort included agents from ICE, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Coast Guard. Detainees were transported off-Island using Coast Guard vessels, with ICE praising the operation as a "strong stand for prioritizing public safety" through an official statement.

"ICE officers and FBI, DEA, and ATF agents worked together to arrest a significant number of illegal alien offenders," said Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director of ICE Boston, in the aforementioned statement. "Our partners in the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated a safe and efficient transport... ensuring the safety of the residents of those communities."

The large-scale presence of masked federal agents in unmarked vehicles sparked confusion and concern across both islands, as local outlet Vineyard Gazette reported. "They questioned my guys looking for paperwork," said Thiago Alves, owner of L&R Electrical Services. "They are stopping all the work vans... it's pretty much everyone."

One Island woman, who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, added that "they were just grabbing people out of their cars." At least 20 people were seen being loaded onto a Coast Guard vessel at the Menemsha station on the Vineyard, and reports from the Nantucket Current indicated at least 12 people were removed from the island.

Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle and other local law enforcement officials said they were not notified in advance. "We get involved if there's criminal activity," he said. "Things with immigration are out of our jurisdiction."

Immigration attorney Rachel Self noted a change in ICE's approach. "There are no more priorities. ICE is going after the low-hanging fruit," she said, urging non-citizens to understand their rights and prepare in case of detention.