Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have increased their presence at key maritime entry points in the United States Virgin Islands, conducting document checks and detaining individuals, though local authorities say they received no advance notice of the operations.
The enhanced enforcement follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. confirmed heightened federal activity at both the Red Hook Ferry Terminal on St. Thomas and the dock facilities on St. John to several local press agencies, emphasizing that federal agencies are not obligated to inform territorial officials before conducting such operations.
The enforcement actions sparked concern across social media platforms Sunday, with unconfirmed reports suggesting ICE operations had extended to local resorts.
Community members have shared videos showing federal agents present at various maritime facilities, including the St. Thomas-St. John barge. However, federal authorities have not released details about the number or status of individuals reportedly detained.