ICE immigration enforcement operations are currently underway in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: ICE
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal law enforcement entities, has launched immigration enforcement efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These efforts are aligned with the President Donald Trump's Executive Order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” signed on January 20, 2025.
Governor Albert Bryan on Sunday informed the Consortium that ICE agents are monitoring ferry operations. Residents in the St. Thomas-St. John district have also reported sightings of enforcement activities.
ICE stressed on Sunday critical the importance of enforcing immigration laws to safeguard national security and public safety. The agency plays a vital role in identifying and detaining individuals who pose threats while coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to achieve the objectives outlined in the executive order.
ICE immigration enforcement efforts underway in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico (Credit: ICE).
The enforcement actions in the USVI and Puerto Rico align with widespread efforts across the mainland U.S., where thousands of arrests have been carried out following President Trump's executive order. On Sunday, a diplomatic spat erupted between Mr. Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over immigration policies. Colombia initially refused to accept two U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombian illegal immigrants, leading Trump to impose an immediate 25% tariff on all Colombian goods, with threats to increase it to 50%, alongside visa restrictions and enhanced border inspections. In response to these retaliatory measures, Colombia quickly reversed its stance, agreeing to use the presidential plane for the dignified return of its nationals.
