ICE Nabs MS-13 Member, Child Sex Offender in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard Sweep

Federal immigration enforcement swept through the serene islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard on Tuesday, netting around 40 arrests in a bold operation. Among those detained were a documented MS-13 gang member and at least one child sex offender, marking a significant step for public safety, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The operation saw ICE teaming up with the FBI, DEA, and ATF, with the U.S. Coast Guard ensuring smooth transport of the detainees off the islands. Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE’s Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations, emphasized the collaborative effort: “We’ve taken dangerous individuals off these communities, including a child predator, ensuring residents can breathe a little easier.”

The arrests align with the Trump administration’s aggressive push to deport illegal immigrants, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s border policies, which saw unprecedented migrant inflows. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is doubling down, promoting self-deportation through the CBP Home app, offering financial travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend to those who leave voluntarily.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated the Nantucket raid with a cheeky “Bye bye!” on social media, complete with a waving hand emoji, signaling zero tolerance for illegal presence. Meanwhile, President Trump himself took to Truth Social, railing against the “incompetent” policies that allowed millions to cross the border unchecked, vowing to restore order.