Federal Immigration Checks at V.I. Ports Spark Concern, Bryan Notes Increased Monitoring

Federal agents conducted identification checks at some V.I. ports Sunday, sparking widespread concern and unconfirmed reports of raids at local resorts.

While Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. acknowledged an increased federal presence and monitoring at the Red Hook Ferry Terminal on St. Thomas and the dock on St. John, he stated that federal agencies are not required to notify territorial authorities of such initiatives in advance. Social media activity began early Sunday afternoon, with multiple posts warning of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents checking identification and detaining individuals aboard the St. Thomas-St. John ferries or at the docks. Some posts alleged ICE operations targeting resorts, but those claims remain unsubstantiated. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte and Lisa Hamilton, president of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, reported no knowledge of such actions.

Representatives from major resorts, including Bolongo Bay, The Westin, Emerald Beach, Margaritaville, and The Ritz-Carlton, confirmed that no federal agents had visited their properties Sunday. Hamilton emphasized the need to verify information before sharing it online, citing potential harm to the territory’s tourism sector from unsubstantiated claims. Calls to the Virgin Islands Justice Department and the Virgin Islands Police Department also revealed that neither agency was informed of any federal operations. VIPD further confirmed that it had no involvement in the activities reported at the ports.