ICE 'Patriot 2.0' Arrests 1,400 In Massachusetts; Vineyard Raids Recede But Fear Persists

A Martha’s Vineyard-focused report ties statewide ICE surge Operation Patriot 2.0 to local disruption: ICE says 1,400 arrests in September across Massachusetts, with fewer than half involving significant criminal cases. Spring raids on the islands and September detentions of local workers fueled missed work and school, rumors, and some families leaving. Community advocates mobilized as protests grew; ICE defends the operation as targeting gangs and serious offenders while listing 600+ with serious charges and 277 with prior removal orders. The surge has eased on-island, but fear and uncertainty remain.