U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 100 undocumented immigrants during a targeted enforcement operation at construction sites in Tallahassee on May 29. The joint operation was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tallahassee, with support from multiple federal and state agencies.
According to ICE, the operation involved collaboration with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Detainees were nationals of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras, among others. One individual was taken into state custody for resisting arrest and is facing four counts of assault on law enforcement officers. Another person reportedly attempted to pull a weapon on officers during the operation.
“These types of enforcement actions aim to eliminate illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for America’s lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI Tallahassee, working alongside our state, local, and federal partners, will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”
Masked officers in camouflage gear were seen detaining individuals at a site near Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium, located at West Gaines Street and Lake Bradford Road. A university spokesperson confirmed that FSU was not involved in the raid.
Some of the detained undocumented immigrants, held on a bus near the site, told reporters they were from Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Honduras. ICE later confirmed the inclusion of individuals from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia among those arrested.
ICE officials said the agency remains focused on identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals found to be unlawfully present in the U.S. during such operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal under federal law.
The May 29 operation follows “Operation Tidal Wave,” a large-scale joint immigration enforcement effort in Florida that resulted in 1,120 arrests between April 21 and 26. ICE has expanded its reach in the state through the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to assist in immigration enforcement under ICE oversight.
Florida currently has more 287(g) agreements than any other state, with nearly 230 agencies participating, including sheriff’s offices, city police departments, and campus police. More than 130 of these agreements fall under the task force model, which permits officers to question, detain, and arrest individuals suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
