ICE agents detained over 100 illegal immigrants in one of Florida’s largest single-day raids, targeting construction sites near Florida State University as part of President Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.
At a Glance
- ICE conducted a major operation at construction sites in Tallahassee on May 29, 2025, detaining over 100 undocumented workers
- The operation involved multiple agencies including Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, DEA, and IRS
- Many detainees had previous deportations or criminal backgrounds and came from countries including Mexico, Venezuela, and Guatemala
- The raid aligns with both Trump administration’s immigration enforcement goals and Florida’s push to be the toughest state on illegal immigration
- Authorities are pursuing the subcontractor responsible for hiring the illegal workers
Massive Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Workers
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led a comprehensive operation at construction sites in Tallahassee, Florida on May 29, resulting in the detention of more than 100 illegal immigrants. The operation focused on a student housing development in the College Town neighborhood near Florida State University, with another nearby site raided approximately an hour earlier. This coordinated effort represents one of Florida’s largest single-day immigration enforcement actions and demonstrates the renewed focus on worksite compliance under President Trump’s administration.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the operation netted “more than 100 illegal aliens, some of which were previously deported and others with criminal backgrounds.” Detainees originated from various countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia. During the operation, officers systematically checked individuals’ identification and work permits before determining who would be detained, causing an immediate halt to construction activities throughout the area.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Tom Homan. He will serve as Mr. Trump's border czar and he joins us this morning from Naples, Florida. Good morning to you, sir.
TOM HOMAN: Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Deportations are now at a decade high. They were at the end of 2024. Nearly… pic.twitter.com/UirI78s5er
— Andrea Shaffer, Employment/Labor Law (@Andreafreedom76) January 5, 2025
Collaborative Enforcement Across Multiple Agencies
The Tallahassee operation exemplified robust cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agencies. The Florida Highway Patrol played a significant role alongside federal entities including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations. This partnership demonstrates the evolving model of immigration enforcement that leverages both federal authority and state resources to maximize effectiveness in targeting illegal immigration.
The raid caused significant disruption beyond the targeted sites, as news of the enforcement action spread rapidly throughout the community. Construction workers at other locations reportedly abandoned work sites out of fear, causing temporary work stoppages across Tallahassee. Videos of the operation showed enforcement officers detaining laborers, with some being physically restrained during the process. These images sparked both support and concern among local residents and business owners.
Part of Broader Immigration Enforcement Strategy
The Tallahassee operation aligns with the Trump administration’s reinvigorated focus on immigration enforcement and specifically targets employers who hire illegal workers. Federal authorities confirmed they are pursuing the subcontractor responsible for hiring the unauthorized workers. This focus on employer accountability represents a significant shift in enforcement strategy, aimed at eliminating illegal employment channels while protecting job opportunities for American workers.
Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation as a “major bust” and emphasized Florida’s commitment to rigorous immigration enforcement. This raid follows the April operation dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” where ICE and Florida law enforcement arrested 1,120 people. Florida has positioned itself as a leader in state-level immigration enforcement, with DeSantis supporting expanded laws and funding to increase the state’s authority to detain undocumented immigrants.
Continued Focus on Worksite Enforcement
The Tallahassee operation represents the continued implementation of Border Czar Tom Homan’s promise to increase ICE’s worksite enforcement actions. Similar raids have recently occurred in Nashville and northern Nevada, indicating a nationwide strategy. For those seeking information about individuals detained in the operation, ICE maintains an online detainee locator system that allows family members to track the status and location of those in custody.
Florida continues to appeal a federal judge’s decision to block a new state law that would create state-level crimes for undocumented immigrants. This legal battle highlights the tension between federal immigration authority and state efforts to address illegal immigration. The partnership between Florida and federal agencies may serve as a template for other Republican-led states seeking to enhance immigration enforcement within their borders.
