Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, has raised concerns over recent unannounced immigration enforcement operations conducted by ICE in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, calling the situation “disturbing.” Healey criticized the lack of advance notice to local authorities and highlighted the potential disruption to families. She emphasized the need for transparency, stating that ICE should provide clarity on its operations in these communities. ICE officials, however, defended the actions as necessary to target dangerous individuals, including an MS-13 gang member and a child sex offender, and stressed that local law enforcement was informed. Critics, including former migrant-shelter director Jon Fetherston, argue that the arrests were a necessary measure to ensure public safety, despite Healey’s public opposition.
Healey’s criticism has sparked debate over federal immigration enforcement practices and the balance between public safety and individual rights. The arrests in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, which are known for their affluent and liberal demographics, have added to an ongoing national discussion about immigration policy. Federal officials, including Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, have accused Healey of misrepresenting the situation, stating that ICE did notify local authorities and that the governor’s criticism is politically motivated. The tension between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement continues to be a contentious issue, raising questions about the role of local governments in managing public safety in the face of federal policies.
Martha’s Vineyard, which is a heavily affluent and deeply blue area, made headlines in 2022 when residents promptly removed the migrants being sent to the island from southern states like Florida and Texas. After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent two planes with 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in September 2022, the island activated the National Guard in response and released a statement calling the situation a “humanitarian crisis.” The 50 migrants were ultimately loaded onto buses two days after arriving and transported off Martha’s Vineyard to military housing on the Cape Cod mainland. This incident highlights the broader national debate over immigration policy and the role of local communities in addressing federal enforcement actions.
Public opinion on the issue remains divided, with some arguing that federal agencies like ICE are doing their job by removing dangerous individuals from communities, while others, like Healey, question the fairness and transparency of the process. Jon Fetherston, a former Massachusetts migrant-shelter director, has criticized Healey for her public opposition to the arrests, arguing that the actions were necessary to protect public safety. Fetherston emphasized that the majority of the public, including in one of the bluest states, supports the work of ICE and ERO Boston because they understand the importance of prioritizing safety over political considerations.