USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued a directive ordering all government employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands not to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within the territory.
“Immigration enforcement is a function of the federal government; not an effort aided by our own local agents”, he said.
The governor’s move comes amid an intensified immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration, which has resulted in increased federal presence in the USVI.
Last week 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 last Sunday, with unconfirmed reports suggesting ICE operations had extended to local resorts.
In the directive, which was obtained by 284 Media, Bryan emphasized that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not assist in such efforts. The order specifically aims to ensure that government-managed spaces, particularly schools, remain areas of safety and stability regardless of a resident’s immigration status.
“We have many citizens and legal residents, including children, whose first language is not English, and may be understandably concerned by the presence of these federal agents in our community”, he said. “It is this Administration’s position that all areas under the stewardship of the Government of the Virgin Islands should foster safety for all members of our community, especially our children, regardless of the immigration documents they possess.”
Under the directive, public schools must bar ICE agents from entering buildings unless they present a warrant signed by a judicial officer. Administrative warrants alone will not suffice for entry into non-public spaces. Additionally, ICE agents are prohibited from speaking with students without parental consent, and school staff are not allowed to disclose immigration-related information unless compelled by a judicial order or subpoena.
Any ICE presence on or near school grounds must be reported to superiors, and the Commissioner of Education must immediately inform the Attorney General of such activities.
Local law enforcement officers are also instructed not to assist ICE in immigration enforcement, as their primary role is to uphold territorial laws and protect residents. “As Virgin Islanders, we celebrate our community’s diversity, and we will continue to protect the rights of all our residents,” he stated in closing.