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ICE Agents Cannot Enter USVI Schools Without Judicial Warrant, Governor Says
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has made it clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot enter school grounds in the U.S. Virgin Islands without a judicial warrant. In a memorandum issued on January 29, to cabinet members and government staff, Bryan outlined strict guidelines for handling ICE activity, particularly within public schools.
“Schools should not permit the agent to enter the school building without a warrant signed by a judicial officer,” the governor stated in the directive. He emphasised that administrative warrants, which are issued by immigration authorities but not approved by a judge, do not grant access to non-public locations such as schools.
The guidance also makes clear that ICE agents cannot question students without parental consent or request immigration-related information from school staff. Disclosing such details without a judicial order or subpoena could violate students’ rights.
Bryan instructed school officials to report any ICE presence immediately. “The Commissioner of Education shall immediately notify the Attorney General of reported ICE activity,” the memorandum states.
The governor also reaffirmed that local law enforcement officers are not required to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. “Federal ICE activity is not sanctioned or assisted by local law enforcement,” he wrote, stressing that peace officers in the territory are responsible for protecting residents and enforcing local laws, not aiding federal immigration operations.
The directive has been met with support from education officials and community advocates.
“Our job is to educate and protect children, not to act as immigration enforcers,” said a senior Department of Education official. “This guidance ensures that our schools remain safe spaces for all students.”
Immigrant rights advocates also welcomed the governor’s stance. “Families should not have to live in fear that dropping their child off at school could result in an immigration encounter,” said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group.
While ICE has not publicly commented on its operations in the territory, Bryan’s memorandum sends a strong message that the USVI government will not facilitate federal immigration enforcement in schools.
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Monéa Earns Caribbean Music Awards Nomination, Making History for the British Virgin Islands
Rising music star Monéa has just hit another major milestone—she’s been nominated for a Caribbean Music Award, officially placing her among the top breakout dancehall artists of the year. She joins a talented lineup of emerging acts, including Armanii, Malie Donn, and Lady Lava, further proving that her influence on the Caribbean music scene is only growing.
Monéa is up for Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, competing against a strong roster of regional talent, including Barbados’ Amanda Reifer and Jamaican stars Tosh Alexander, D’yani, and Dexta Daps—whom she’s previously collaborated with. Her signature sound, which she calls “Tropikana”—a fusion of dancehall and pop—has been turning heads internationally, solidifying her status as a genre-bending force in the industry.
The Caribbean Music Awards, now in its third year, will take place over Labor Day weekend in New York. Hosted by the Caribbean Elite Group, the event honors artists, producers, and industry professionals across multiple Caribbean genres. This year’s awards feature over 150 nominees across 40+ categories, including standout artists from the U.S. Virgin Islands like Pressure, Pumpa, Th3rd, Star Martin, and Kruziano.
Fans can support Monéa by casting their votes on the Caribbean Music Awards website, with voting open until Friday, May 1.
This nomination is historic—not only for Monéa but for her home, the British Virgin Islands. She’s officially the first artist from the BVI to ever receive a nod from the Caribbean Music Awards. The recognition couldn’t come at a better time, as she gears up to drop her highly anticipated sophomore album, Tropikana Vol. 2: Mood Swings, later this summer.
“Being nominated is an incredible honor,” Monéa said. “To be recognized among such talented artists is humbling, and I’m grateful for the support of my fans and my home in the BVI.”
Two individuals were arrested in connection with a violent incident reported on November 8, 2024.
Melicia Bodkin, 30, of Huntums Ghut, was charged with wounding and damage to property on February 24, while Deschon Hodge, 31, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, being armed with an offensive weapon, and damage to property on February 26. Both have been granted bail and will appear in court in April.
Two separate stabbing incidents on Virgin Gorda last month have resulted in serious charges, including manslaughter and assault, as police continue to investigate violent crime on the island.
On March 25, Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place on March 20. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Just days earlier, on March 16, a 17-year-old male—also from The Valley—was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a stabbing incident reported on March 15. Due to the suspect’s age, his identity has not been released.
The RVIPF has not indicated whether the two cases are related but has reiterated its commitment to addressing violent incidents across the territory.
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