ICE Checkpoints Detain 20+ in Alabama

Office,Building,Of,The,Attorney,General,Of,The,State,Of

Federal and state police set up checkpoints in Alabama, detaining over 20 people in a move that marks a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement.

Story Snapshot

Alabama conducted its first confirmed ICE-state police checkpoint, detaining at least 21 people near major employers.
The operation reflects a broader, politically driven crackdown on undocumented immigrants with direct state-federal cooperation.
Local employers and communities face disruption, workforce shortages, and increased anxiety among Hispanic residents.
Governor Kay Ivey and top officials back the operation, while advocates warn of constitutional and civil rights risks.

Alabama’s First ICE-State Police Checkpoint: A New Enforcement Era

On September 10, 2025, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched their first joint driver license checkpoint operation in Russellville, Alabama. Targeting intersections near Pilgrim’s Pride and Southern Homes, the initiative led to the detention of at least 21 individuals, primarily during shift changes to maximize apprehensions. This marked a significant departure from previous enforcement methods, focusing on roadside checkpoints rather than workplace raids. Authorities stated the effort was part of a wider statewide crackdown on undocumented immigrants, aligning with renewed federal priorities since Trump’s return to office. The detainees were quickly moved from Franklin County Jail to undisclosed locations, with no additional operations confirmed in the local area in the following days.

Watch: Alabama Launches First State-Federal Checkpoints: 20+ Detained in Major Operation!

Franklin County’s Hispanic population, comprising over one-third of residents, has long been integral to local industries such as poultry processing. The September operation was the first confirmed checkpoint collaboration between state police and ICE, heightening existing tensions and fears among immigrant communities. Local news confirmed the detentions and noted that, unlike previous enforcement efforts, this action did not target businesses directly but focused on individuals traveling to and from work. Community organizers and immigration attorneys quickly voiced concerns about potential racial profiling and due process violations, while legal assistance requests surged in the aftermath.

#Trump's #immigration crackdown ramps up, #Alabama launches first state-federal checkpoint op with #ICE 🇺🇸 Catch the day's latest news and updates ➠ https://t.co/2FE4fdlBpB pic.twitter.com/rfsztAr4NS

— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) September 22, 2025

Political Support and Community Concerns

Governor Kay Ivey directed ALEA to cooperate fully with ICE and praised the operation as a necessary measure to restore law and order and protect public safety. Prominent state leaders, including Senator Tommy Tuberville and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, echoed support for the crackdown, calling for similar actions statewide. These moves align with conservative priorities of securing borders, reducing illegal immigration, and upholding the rule of law. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office provided jail space but did not participate directly, highlighting ongoing debate about the proper role of local agencies in federal immigration enforcement.

State officials have not released detailed information about the detainees or future enforcement plans, contributing to uncertainty and anxiety among affected families. The lack of transparency and official comment from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security leaves many questions about the operation’s long-term impacts and the fate of those detained. The event sets a precedent for similar checkpoint collaborations in other counties, with ripple effects likely for local industries and civic relations.

Broader Impact: Workforce, Law, and Political Ramifications

Immediate consequences include workforce shortages at major employers reliant on immigrant labor and increased demand for community support services. The operation’s chilling effect on local economies could be felt for months, as fear and distrust discourage participation in everyday activities. Employers now face operational disruptions and potential liability concerns, while local government officials must navigate strained relations with both law enforcement and community members.

The Alabama checkpoint operation serves as a litmus test for the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and state-federal cooperation, offering both a victory for proponents of tough enforcement and a warning about the potential erosion of constitutional rights and family stability.