Nantucket Residents Disturbed by Arrest of Five Undocumented Immigrants for Serious Sexual Crimes
The picturesque journey by high-speed ferry from Hynannis to Nantucket Island, located off the elbow of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, takes about an hour. The island is a popular destination for tourists and is home to many celebrity properties. However, the idyllic island has recently been shaken by the arrest of five undocumented immigrants on charges related to violence and sex crimes.
The Unexpected Impact of the Immigration Crisis on Nantucket Island
Nantucket Island, known for its colonial charm and pristine beaches, is a place where homes sell for millions and attract thousands of visitors each year. It is a town, a county, and a voting district, and is considered by many residents to be a tiny paradise. However, the island was recently shocked by the arrest of five undocumented male immigrants on charges related to violence and sex crimes, highlighting the unexpected impact of the immigration crisis on this small community.
Surprise and Fear Following Arrests
Many Nantucket Island residents were surprised when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived in early September to make the arrests. Some residents are reluctant to discuss the arrests or the issue of illegal immigration, fearing accusations of racism. The five men who were arrested had entered the country illegally and had settled on Nantucket Island without the state's knowledge. Most had been arrested on sex charges earlier in the year and were out on bail or personal recognizance.
Details of the Arrests
Among those arrested was Angel Gabriel Deras-Mejia, a 30-year-old known MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. Deras-Mejia had unlawfully entered the United States and then made his way to Massachusetts, where he allegedly committed crimes of violence. Other individuals arrested included Felix Alberto Perez-Gomez, Elmer Sola, Gean Do Amaral Belafronte, and Bryan Daniel Aladana-Arevalo, all charged with various sex offenses.
Community Response and Concerns
The arrests have cast a negative light on Nantucket Island, with some residents expressing concern about the community's safety in the face of illegal immigration. Some believe that the problem starts at the federal level, with the Biden administration's open borders policy allowing hundreds of thousands of people to enter the country illegally and unchecked. This concern is further fueled by ICE's report of having 662,556 "noncitizens with a criminal history" on its national list.
Contrasting Views on Immigration and Crime
While some see a direct link between illegal immigration and crime, others, like the American Immigration Council, dispute this claim. The pro-immigration advocacy group argues that welcoming immigrants into American communities does not increase crime, but can actually strengthen public safety. They point to research showing that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born individuals.
Illegal Immigration in Massachusetts
Critics argue that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has enabled illegal immigrants, some with criminal backgrounds, to seek sanctuary in the state, costing taxpayers billions to support them. In September, ERO Boston made several arrests, including a 50-year-old Salvadoran man in Tisbury, Massachusetts, wanted by authorities in El Salvador for "crimes against humanity."
Illegal Immigration in Small Communities
Nantucket Island's small size and limited housing development opportunities make it an ideal place for illegal immigrants to hide out. Some residents believe that illegal migrants arrive on the island to stay with family or friends, leading to overcrowding of private homes and strain on local infrastructure and resources. The issue of illegal immigration often goes undetected in such small communities.
Local Officials' Response to Illegal Immigration
Local officials have yet to respond to requests for comment on plans to address illegal immigration and violent crime. However, Brooke Mohr, the chairwoman of the Nantucket Selectboard, did speak publicly about the ICE arrests in September, stating that the town is committed to the safety and well-being of all community members, regardless of their immigration status.
Illegal Immigration as a Longstanding Issue
Christopher Lauzon, a Republican candidate for state senate from Barnstable, believes that illegal immigration has been a problem on Nantucket Island for a long time. He argues that the biggest problem is not knowing who these people are when they don't come through the proper channels. Lauzon also criticizes the misinterpretation of the 1983 Right to Shelter Law in Massachusetts, which he believes has been misappropriated to support illegal immigration.
Public Safety and Peace of Mind
Lauzon, a father of four, believes that crimes committed by illegal immigrants undermine public safety and rob the community of resources and peace of mind. He argues that state and local officials could do a better job tracking violent offenders and that even one dangerous criminal in the community is one too many.
Concerns of Nantucket Residents
One Nantucket father, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern that there may be more migrant criminals on Nantucket Island illegally. He believes that the community should be informed about such issues for the sake of public safety. Some residents also claim that local businesses hire migrants living on the island illegally, avoiding taxes and worker benefits, and bypassing required permits.
Bottom Line
The recent arrests on Nantucket Island have highlighted the complex and often contentious issue of illegal immigration. While some see these incidents as evidence of a broken system that threatens public safety, others argue that the majority of immigrants, both legal and illegal, are law-abiding individuals seeking a better life. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
