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.
Details regarding the individuals reportedly detained remain unclear, and federal agencies have not released statements clarifying the scope or purpose of their actions, though several videos have been circulated by community members of agents at the docks and St. Thomas-St. John car barge.
The increased federal activity follows a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The order, which expands federal authority for immigration enforcement, is primarily focused on border regions but applies to all U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands.
This is a developing story. The Source will provide more details as they become available.
