Every Thanksgiving, the island of Nantucket transforms from its peaceful, cozy vibe to a flurry of activity, particularly when the likes of President Joe Biden arrive. This year was no exception as Biden and his family touched down at Nantucket Memorial Airport on Tuesday, just before 6 p.m., marking what is speculated to be their final presidential Thanksgiving visit to the island.
Upon landing, the scene was lively with crowds gathered to catch sight of Air Force One. The usually tranquil holiday atmosphere was enlivened, as a presidential motorcade whisked the first family away from the airport. According to the Nantucket Current, the presence of the Bidens brought significant coverage to the island, with hotels bursting at the seams, filled to the brim with White House staff, reporters, and Secret Service personnel roaring through the historic district.
Nantucket has been the Bidens’ Thanksgiving getaway for nearly 40 years, with their lodging over the past three years at the opulent property of private equity mogul David Rubenstein, sitting pretty with views of the serene harbor. Despite its reputation as a tranquil holiday escape, the island was recently subject to some unsettling reports concerning incidents of crime, raising eyebrows.
The timing of the family’s visit coincided with heightened concerns surrounding illegal immigration and criminal activities on the island. Just months earlier, multiple arrests had occurred involving undocumented migrants, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers carrying out operations around both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. A mere 48 hours saw the capture of at least five migrants from Central America — Guatemala and El Salvador — by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division based out of Boston. Since the summer, at least eight illegal immigrants have been arrested, with authorities alleging various criminal charges against them.
This rise in migrant-related incidents has stirred considerable conversation among locals. Erik Evans, who has called Nantucket home for 31 years, expressed his deep concern about the safety of his family, particularly with his daughter attending local schools. He remarked, "This place is not what it once was," encapsulating the sentiments of many residents who feel as if the safety and serenity of their island haven are under threat.
The heavy law enforcement presence on the island was apparent, with several Massachusetts state troopers arriving on motorcycles just days prior to the holiday, and numerous vehicles and equipment transported via C-17 military aircraft. Preparation for the Biden family’s visit included restaurant mobilization, as over 200 turkey dinners were set to be delivered to Secret Service agents at the Faregrounds Restaurant — again reflecting the influx of personnel one typically associates with high-profile visits.
It’s not all political or concerning news, though. The holiday period also serves as a nostalgic affair for the Biden family, who relish these moments together. The Bidens often immerse themselves in local culture, including cozy lunches or visits to favorite spots like the Nantucket Bookworks, where they spent time browsing books and enjoying the company of one another.
By now, the Thanksgiving tradition on Nantucket for the Biden family has become something of legend. Their time spent together on this picturesque island serves as cherished family bonding — at least when they’re not dealing with the weighty issues of state or the rising concerns of their surroundings.
Nevertheless, amid the festivities and family visits, the broader narrative of Nantucket’s changing demographics and rising crime presents challenges, fueling debates about how best to manage the current crisis. Some observers have begun calling for more comprehensive discussions on immigration, the local economy, and community safety, with threats overtaking what should be the idyllic charm of this renowned getaway.
With the Biden’s Thanksgiving visit this year, one can’t help but wonder about the conversations behind closed doors. Will public safety take priority, and how will these public figures address the influx of migrants and the accompanying crime? Citizens are hopeful for answers, as the balance between maintaining tradition and ensuring community safety weighs heavily on the minds of many.
