In a massive immigration enforcement action that drew statewide attention, federal agents detained over 100 people at a construction site in Tallahassee.
According to Breitbart, more than 100 individuals from several Latin American countries were taken into custody on May 29 after ICE conducted a coordinated operation, leading to criminal charges for two and support from top Florida officials.
The raid occurred at a large construction site in Florida’s capital, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers targeted undocumented laborers as part of an ongoing initiative to enforce federal immigration laws.
According to ICE, those arrested came from multiple nations, including Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras. The agency stated the operation was aimed at addressing unauthorized employment and safeguarding the job market for lawful residents. “These types of enforcement actions aim to eliminate illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for America’s lawful workforce,” said Nicholas Ingegno, an official with ICE.
ICE Says Operation Targeted Illegal Employment
In addition to the arrests, serious incidents occurred during the enforcement. State officers detained one individual who reportedly resisted arrest and was charged with four counts related to assaulting law enforcement personnel.
Another person allegedly attempted to draw a weapon during the operation before being taken into custody. Details regarding the weapon and whether it was used were not disclosed by authorities. The presence of distraught family members at the scene added to the tension around the raid. Amanda Parrish, whose husband Faustino Macedo was among those detained, was seen waiting for news about his status following the arrests.
State Leaders Emphasize Law Enforcement's Importance
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the enforcement as a notable success. He referred to the raid as a “major bust” and publicly thanked state law enforcement officials for their involvement in the multiclass operation.
“Making a huge impact on immigration enforcement efforts” was how DeSantis characterized the raid. He confirmed that investigations are now focused on the subcontractor believed to have hired the unauthorized workers. Federal authorities did not release the name of the subcontractor but stated that prosecution of employers who hire individuals without proper documentation is a key part of their ongoing strategy.
Federal-State Collaboration Highlighted in Arrests
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also voiced its support for federal immigration efforts. In a post on platform X, the department stated that Florida "leads the way" and declared its resolve against illegal immigration activity.
“We are proud to support @HSITampa and our other federal partners in this massive operation,” the state agency posted. It reaffirmed Florida's commitment to upholding federal directives on immigration enforcement. Homeland Security Investigations, based in Tallahassee, played a key role in the planning and execution of the raid. ICE official Nicholas Ingegno noted that coordination among local, state, and federal partners made the enforcement action possible.
Operation Part of Broader Strategy Nationwide
According to Ingegno, the central mission of the operation was rooted in national immigration policy. “We will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation,” he said.
Details of any upcoming actions in other parts of the state have not been announced. However, federal immigration officials have signaled that ongoing inspections and enforcement measures across industries involving large numbers of workers are likely. The May 29 sweep is one of the largest recent enforcement actions at a Florida job site. It underscores both the intensity of current immigration operations and the political attention focused on employment practices involving undocumented laborers.
Uncertain Future for Those Detained
No further details were released about the conditions or locations where those arrested are being held. ICE has not announced whether deportation proceedings have been initiated against those detained during the operation.
Concerns remain among immigrant rights organizations and families like Parrish’s about the due process available to those taken into custody. Legal proceedings and immigration hearings will likely follow for many of the detainees, depending on their current status and any prior records. The construction site where the arrests occurred has not resumed operations as of this report. Federal investigators are expected to remain active in the Tallahassee area in connection with the broader inquiry into labor violations.
