As part of an aggressive worksite enforcement operation, federal agents have detained more than two dozen illegal immigrants at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida. Among the suspects from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were people who had been deported before and had returned to the country illegally. The ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration in Florida’s thriving construction industry are highlighted by this enforcement action.
Federal Agents Crack Down on Construction Sites
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents conducted the targeted operation at multiple construction sites in Wildwood, a growing area located south of The Villages and about an hour northwest of Orlando. The enforcement action occurred on Tuesday when federal agents moved in on construction sites where illegal workers were employed, resulting in more than two dozen arrests.
We were in Wildwood, Florida, today with @HSITampa @FLHSMV to support worksite enforcement efforts at one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S.! We have arrested & processed more two dozen illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras. @OfficialBOP @USMarshalsHQ pic.twitter.com/cBCg0Hlj6q
— ERO Miami (@EROMiami) May 13, 2025
HSI Tampa shared footage of the operation on social media, showing agents at construction sites, though no actual arrests were displayed in the released video. The operation comes as Florida experiences rapid growth as one of the fastest-developing regions in the United States, with investigations focusing on whether construction companies are knowingly hiring undocumented workers to meet labor demands.
More than two dozen undocumented immigrants have been arrested at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Wildwood is located south of The Villages, and about an hour northwest of Orlando. https://t.co/X46wiYn6Jf
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) May 14, 2025
Repeat Offenders Among Those Arrested
According to federal authorities, several of the apprehended individuals had previously been deported from the United States. These repeat immigration offenders now face potentially serious legal consequences, including possible federal charges for illegal reentry after deportation, which carries substantial prison time.
Federal agents confirmed that the undocumented workers originated from three Central American countries: Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are currently finalizing details of the enforcement actions and have indicated that comprehensive information about the operation will be released in the coming days.
Florida’s Expanded Immigration Enforcement
This operation aligns with Florida’s increasingly aggressive stance on immigration enforcement under Governor Ron DeSantis. Recently, DeSantis announced that over 100 Florida Highway Patrol troopers were sworn in as special deputy U.S. Marshals, empowering them to conduct independent immigration enforcement operations.
“Homeland Security Investigations says more than two dozen undocumented immigrants have been arrested at construction sites in Wildwood.”
The Wildwood operation demonstrates continued collaboration between state and federal authorities through formal 287g agreements. These agreements allow several Florida state agencies to work directly with federal immigration authorities like HSI to enforce immigration laws, a priority established during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Wildwood case represents part of a broader effort to address the employment of illegal immigrants in Florida’s construction industry. As the state continues its rapid growth, especially in regions like Central Florida, authorities are increasingly scrutinizing companies that may be exploiting illegal labor to meet construction demands.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/homeland-security-announces-dozens-immigration-203053455.html