Florida Construction News staff writer
A multiagency federal enforcement operation targeting construction sites in one of the fastest-growing areas of the country led to the arrest of 33 individuals unlawfully present in the United States, officials confirmed May 13.
The effort, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa, included the Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, and Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Coleman Federal Correctional Complex.
The targeted sites were about 20 miles south of Ocala in a rapidly expanding community.
Of the 33 individuals arrested during the worksite enforcement operation, four face felony charges for reentering the U.S. after prior deportation. All are nationals of Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. ICE reported that more than 360 people were interviewed during the sweep, and dozens fled on foot as agents arrived at active construction sites.
“Worksite enforcement investigations are integral to uncovering many crimes, including unauthorized employment, document fraud, human smuggling, and sometimes human trafficking,” said Micah C. McCombs, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Tampa. “Following the president’s executive order, HSI Tampa will continue enforcing the immigration laws throughout the state of Florida to the fullest extent of the law.”
Florida Highway Patrol Executive Director Dave Kerner affirmed the agency’s ongoing collaboration with federal authorities, stating, “State Troopers are proud to support ICE-HSI in their immigration enforcement efforts. Florida Highway Patrol is committed to leading state efforts to enforce federal immigration law and ensuring Governor DeSantis’ immigration enforcement directives are faithfully executed.”
HSI’s worksite enforcement program is designed to uphold the integrity of the U.S. immigration system, reduce pressure on border operations, and hold employers accountable for hiring unauthorized workers. These operations often reveal broader criminal activity, including document fraud, human smuggling, and labor exploitation.
According to ICE, individuals unlawfully present in the United States encountered during enforcement actions may be detained and processed for removal as outlined by federal immigration law.
Construction industry employers and members of the public with information regarding illegal hiring practices or immigration violations are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or submit tips online.
Learn more about worksite enforcement by visiting ICE’s Worksite Enforcement Investigations.
