Federal Authorities Arrest 40 Illegal Migrants in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Raid
A massive raid conducted by federal agencies on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket resulted in the arrest of 40 illegal migrants, including a notorious MS-13 gang member and a child sex offender, officials revealed.
The operation, which took place on the popular tourist islands off Massachusetts, involved agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, according to a recent press release.
Patricia Hyde, acting director of the ICE Boston field office, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in conducting such operations. She praised the teamwork between ICE officers, FBI, DEA, and ATF agents in apprehending a significant number of illegal alien offenders, including a child predator.
The US Coast Guard played a crucial role in ensuring the safe transport of the arrested individuals off the islands, safeguarding the local communities during the operation.
Despite being popular summer destinations, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were shaken by the unexpected raid, where federal agents were seen apprehending individuals from their vehicles, causing unease among residents.
Thiago Aviles, a local business owner, recounted how his employee was questioned and released after showing his green card to the authorities. He mentioned that the federal agents were stopping all work vans in the area, creating a sense of uncertainty among the population.
Luciene Alves, a long-time resident and legal worker on Nantucket, shared how the community was gripped with fear as parents hesitated to send their children to school, fearing further arrests by the federal agents.
Authorities refrained from disclosing the identities of those arrested but confirmed the presence of a documented MS-13 gang member among the apprehended individuals, signaling a crackdown on criminal elements in the region.
The swift and coordinated action by federal agencies underscored the importance of enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public safety in the coastal communities of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
