On May 29, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a major enforcement operation at construction sites in Tallahassee, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 individuals living in the U.S. illegally. The operation was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tallahassee and included help from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Details of the Multiagency Operation
The enforcement involved several federal and state agencies including ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The arrested individuals were from countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras.
During the raids, one person was taken into state custody after resisting arrest and faces four counts of assault on law enforcement officers. Another individual tried to pull a weapon on officers but was stopped.
Purpose and Impact of the Enforcement
ICE Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno said the operation aims to stop illegal employment, hold employers responsible, and protect job opportunities for legal workers. He emphasized that HSI Tallahassee, with its partners, will continue enforcing immigration laws to keep communities safe.
ICE officials also highlighted their focus on identifying individuals who may pose public safety or national security risks. People caught unlawfully in the U.S. during these operations are taken into custody and processed for removal according to federal law.
Public Help and Reporting
The public is encouraged to report any suspected immigration violations or related crimes to the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by submitting information online through the ICE Tip Form.
