Read this article in French German Italian Portuguese Spanish
ICE raids hit US construction sector as immigration crackdown escalates
03 June 2025
More than 100 undocumented construction workers were arrested on 29 May during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation at multiple job sites in Tallahassee, Florida, US, including a student housing project near Florida State University.
A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Image: Adobe Stock
The coordinated raid, led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division in Tallahassee, involved multiple federal and state agencies.
These included the Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the IRS Criminal Investigations division.
Those detained were nationals of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras, among others. ICE alleged that some of the arrested individuals had prior deportations or criminal records.
Nicholas Ingegno, assistant special agent in charge of HSI Tallahassee, stated that the operation aimed to eliminate illegal employment and protect employment opportunities for America’s lawful workforce.
The operation has sparked protests and criticism from community members and immigrant advocacy groups. Demonstrators gathered outside the Florida Capitol, expressing concern over the impact on families and the broader immigrant community.
ICE targeting construction firms, employees
It’s not the first occasion in recent weeks that ICE officials have conducted enforcement actions at construction sites, companies, and on college campuses.
In addition to the Tallahassee operation, ICE has recently conducted several other enforcement actions targeting construction sites and related workplaces across the US:
- San Antonio, Texas – University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus: On May 30, ICE agents conducted an enforcement operation at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s main campus, arresting several construction workers employed by a subcontractor on a campus project. UTSA officials confirmed that no students, faculty, or staff were involved in the incident, and the university’s police department was aware of the operation but did not participate.
- Newport, Vermont – affordable housing project: On May 28, ICE detained ten individuals working at the Newport Crossing affordable housing project in Newport, Vermont. The project is in development by RuralEdge, a nonprofit housing developer.
- Wildwood, Florida – residential development: On May 13, ICE, in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies, arrested 33 undocumented workers at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida. The operation involved interviews with over 360 individuals. ICE claimed that several people arrested had prior deportations or criminal convictions.
- Laredo, Texas – multiple construction sites: On May 16, ICE conducted a worksite enforcement operation at two construction sites in Laredo, Texas, resulting in the arrest of 31 migrants for immigration-related violations. ICE claimed several individuals had prior criminal convictions.
- Colony Ridge, Texas – residential development: In early 2025, a joint operation by ICE and Texas state agencies targeted the Colony Ridge residential development northeast of Houston, detaining 118 individuals for alleged immigration violations.
The ICE raids are a confirmation of fears (specifically in Florida) expressed earlier in the year that the Trump administration would take a hardline approach to immigration policy.
STAY CONNECTED
Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
