U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, and the U.S. Marshals Service, conducted a targeted worksite enforcement operation on May 13 at construction sites near Wildwood, Florida. This effort resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals identified as illegal aliens from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala.
The operation was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa and focused on one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, located approximately 20 miles south of Ocala. During this multiagency action, more than 360 individuals were interviewed, and over 30 workers were observed fleeing from construction sites.
Micah C. McCombs, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Tampa, stated that "worksite enforcement investigations are integral to uncovering many crimes," including unauthorized employment and human trafficking. He emphasized that HSI Tampa will continue enforcing immigration laws across Florida following the president’s executive order.
Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, expressed support for ICE-HSI's efforts: “State Troopers are proud to support ICE-HSI in their immigration enforcement efforts.” He reiterated their commitment to executing Governor DeSantis’ immigration directives.
According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this central Florida region experienced a nearly five percent population increase to 151,565 between 2022 and 2023.
HSI’s worksite enforcement program aims to maintain integrity within the U.S. immigration system by promoting self-compliance among businesses and protecting job opportunities for legal workers. These investigations often reveal criminal activities such as human smuggling and document fraud linked to employing unauthorized workers.
ICE officials have stressed their focus on identifying threats to public safety and national security. Individuals unlawfully present in the country encountered during these operations may be detained and processed for removal under federal law.
The public is encouraged to report suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity through ICE’s Tip Line or online form.
For further information about ICE HSI Tampa's initiatives in enhancing public safety in Florida, updates can be followed on X at @HSITampa.
