Dem governor decries ICE operations on wealthy Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard
Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey is expressing her deep concerns about a recent immigration enforcement operation conducted by ICE in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The operation resulted in the arrest of around 40 individuals, including an MS-13 gang member and a child sex offender. While ICE praised the operation as a success in prioritizing public safety, Governor Healey took a different stance, calling the arrests \”disturbing.\”
Healey criticized the lack of communication and transparency surrounding the operation, stating that local police chiefs and state officials had no prior knowledge of the arrests. She raised questions about whether due process was followed and expressed worry about families being torn apart by these actions.
In response to Healey’s criticisms, ICE officials defended their actions, stating that local authorities were indeed notified about the enforcement operations. They emphasized the importance of targeting individuals with criminal records who pose a danger to public safety, regardless of their immigration status.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar situation in 2022 when migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard from other states were promptly removed by residents, calling it a \”humanitarian crisis.\” The island activated the National Guard in response to the influx of migrants, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.
Former Massachusetts migrant-shelter director Jon Fetherston weighed in on the debate, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public safety over political agendas. He pointed out that the majority of the public supports ICE’s efforts to remove individuals with criminal backgrounds, even in a heavily blue state like Massachusetts.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Governor Healey and other state officials will address the challenges posed by immigration enforcement operations in their communities. The balance between public safety and immigration policies continues to be a contentious issue, with both sides advocating for their respective priorities.
