Amid unconfirmed reports of federal immigration agents visiting public schools in the territory, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has stated that no such enforcement actions have yet taken place.
The statement comes as Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a directive clarifying that local government employees, including school officials and law enforcement, are not required to assist federal immigration authorities unless legally mandated.
Responding to questions from the Source Tuesday about visits, particularly to public schools on St. Croix, Sandra Colón, Public Affairs Officer for HSI in Puerto Rico, said, “No immigration enforcement actions have been done in schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” However, she encouraged individuals with defined immigration status to carry documentation in case they are approached by federal authorities, emphasizing that under Title 8 of U.S. law, individuals who cross the border illegally may face legal consequences, including deportation, prosecution, and a five-year reentry ban.
HSI and ICE officials have recently increased immigration checks at transportation hubs, including ferry terminals. Late last month, nearly 400 individuals were stopped and questioned at the St. John car ferry, with 49 briefly detained for document verification and one person taken into custody.
Meanwhile, Bryan offered guidance in a directive Jan. 29, clarifying that local government employees, including teachers, school administrators, and local law enforcement officers, are not required to assist with federal immigration enforcement unless legally mandated.
The directive states that if approached by an ICE agent:
- Schools should not allow the agent to enter a school building without a warrant signed by a judicial officer. Administrative warrants are not sufficient to gain entry to nonpublic locations, and should be provided to legal counsel to determine validity and authority;
- ICE agents should not speak with students without parental consent, nor should they answer immigration-related questions on behalf of a student or parent;
- Schools should immediately notify their supervisor of ICE presence;
- The Education commissioner shall immediately notify the attorney general of any reported ICE activity.
Bryan emphasized the importance of ensuring that schools remain places of learning and community support, stating: “As Virgin Islanders, we celebrate our community’s diversity, and we will continue to protect the rights of all our residents.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands is not alone in addressing local roles in federal immigration enforcement. Other Democratic-led jurisdictions have issued similar policies limiting cooperation with ICE in schools and public institutions.
- In Delaware, Attorney General Kathy Jennings released “Know Your Rights” materials outlining legal protections for residents in encounters with federal immigration authorities.
- In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers has pledged to veto legislation that would require local law enforcement to assist in ICE operations.
- In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed a law restricting state and local police from detaining individuals based solely on immigration status.
Conversely, Republican-led states have moved to strengthen cooperation with federal authorities.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special legislative session to implement stricter state-level immigration laws.
- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun mandated full cooperation between state law enforcement and ICE.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order requiring state agencies to assist in federal immigration operations.
Bryan has reiterated that local law enforcement does not sanction or assist federal ICE operations. Speaking to the Source, the governor added he does not anticipate pushback from federal authorities, emphasizing that they know and understand the law. He also affirmed that the government stands by its employees ensures their protection.
