A targeted worksite enforcement operation conducted on Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals identified as illegal aliens at construction sites in a rapidly growing central Florida community located approximately 20 miles south of Ocala.
The multi-agency operation, which received support from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, and the U.S. Marshals Service, focused on construction sites within the region recognized as the nation’s fastest-growing metro area,
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Officials say those apprehended originated from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. ICE reported that four of the individuals face felony charges for reentry into the United States after previous deportation. During the operation, over 360 individuals were interviewed by federal officers.
Authorities also noted that more than 30 individuals were observed fleeing the construction sites as officers arrived.
“Worksite enforcement investigations are integral to uncovering many crimes, including unauthorized employment, document fraud, human smuggling, and sometimes human trafficking,” stated Micah C. McCombs, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations 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.”
“State Troopers are proud to support ICE-HSI in their immigration enforcement efforts, and participate in all aspects of immigration enforcement operations,” said Florida Highway Patrol Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Florida Highway Patrol is committed to leading state efforts to enforce federal immigration law and ensuring Governor DeSantis’ immigration enforcement directives are faithfully executed.”
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HSI’s worksite enforcement program aims to maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system, reduce pressure at the border, encourage compliance within the business community, and safeguard job opportunities for the nation’s legal workforce.
The agency’s investigations target employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, potentially leading to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. These investigations often uncover additional criminal activities such as human smuggling, document fraud, and human rights abuses.
ICE officials reiterated their ongoing commitment to identifying and addressing public safety and national security threats. During such enforcement operations, individuals found to be unlawfully present in the United States may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.
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