ICE Immigration Enforcement Begins in U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal agencies, has initiated immigration enforcement actions in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These efforts are part of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” signed on January 20, 2025.

Governor Albert Bryan informed the Virgin Islands Consortium on Sunday that ICE agents have been monitoring ferry operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. Residents have also reported sightings of enforcement activities in the area.

In a statement released Sunday, ICE highlighted the importance of enforcing immigration laws, stating that the agency plays a key role in “safeguarding national security and public safety.” The agency said it works closely with other law enforcement entities to achieve the objectives outlined in the executive order.

The enforcement efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are part of broader operations across the mainland United States. Since the executive order was signed, thousands of arrests have been reported.

On Sunday, tensions arose between the United States and Colombia over immigration policies. Colombia initially refused entry to two U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombian nationals. In response, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian goods and threatened to raise it to 50%, along with implementing visa restrictions and enhanced border inspections.

Following the announcement of these measures, Colombia agreed to accept its nationals, utilising the presidential plane to facilitate their return.