Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were seen stopping and detaining drivers in the Davie area this week, prompting concern among residents who shared warnings and videos on social media and neighborhood apps.
In one incident Wednesday morning, an FHP trooper stopped a black dump truck pulling a trailer advertising Bethel Lawn Service and Landscaping on westbound Griffin Road between University Drive and South Pine Island Road. Three workers were inside the vehicle.
According to one of the owners, as the trooper began checking driver’s licenses, two of the occupants ran away. The owner said the workers were Guatemalan and undocumented, but she was not aware of any of them having criminal records.
ICE did not confirm its presence at the stop. However, one of the agents on scene was wearing body armor marked “ERO,” identifying him as part of Enforcement and Removal Operations, an ICE unit.
Reports of similar enforcement activity circulated throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, with residents posting alerts about sightings of ICE and other law enforcement agencies across Davie.
“ICE pulling over landscapers off 136th and 595,” one resident wrote. “ICE and increased police presence around Douglas,” another posted. “Be safe!!”
South Florida residents say they have noticed an uptick in immigration enforcement activity in recent days, sharing cellphone videos that show Florida Highway Patrol troopers, masked officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents conducting operations near major roadways and plant nurseries.
Videos posted online show law enforcement presence from Griffin Road in Davie to Nob Hill Road and Interstate 595, as well as along State Road 84 near Southwest 136th Avenue. Residents said authorities appeared to be focusing on large work vehicles.
“State troopers pulling over landscaping vehicles,” one resident said in a video.
The increased activity has heightened anxiety in the community, even among longtime residents.
