On Sunday, a raid conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Miami-Dade County left a witness feeling on edge. The individual, who spoke to Telemundo 51 under the condition of anonymity, expressed belief that he wasn't detained only because he was caring for his young daughter. "They took our documents, checked us, and arrested three people. They didn't take me because I was with my daughter; otherwise, I would have been taken as well," the man recounted.
According to his account, ICE agents entered the house and gathered everyone in the living room, stating they were searching for a specific individual who was not present. Failing to locate their target, the agents proceeded to detain other residents. "They had a deportation order. They were looking for him, didn't find him, so they took everyone else," the witness explained.
The man expressed his fear, saying, "I'm scared for my daughter, for my child who's with me, of course I'm frightened." He added, "I don't know if they'll come back—they left without saying anything else."
Community Concerns and Legal Advice
The implementation of these operations has sparked anxiety within the immigrant community in South Florida. Adriana Rivera, a representative from the Florida Immigrant Coalition, pointed out that the raids are impacting not just individuals with criminal backgrounds, but others in the community as well. Rivera emphasized the importance of everyone, regardless of immigration status, being informed about their rights.
The Florida Immigrant Coalition advises individuals not to speak with law enforcement agents without a lawyer present and not to open their doors unless the agents present a warrant signed by a judge.
Wider Impact and Government Response
Government reports on the social media platform X indicated that the Sunday operations involved agents from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and ICE. It was reported that on that day alone, 956 arrests were made nationwide, and on Monday, 1,179 individuals were detained—the highest number since the raids began the previous week.
In Florida, those arrested were transported to the Miramar detention center, as reported by América TeVé. Reports suggest that ICE offices have a daily quota of 75 arrests, and any undocumented person present during these operations is at risk of being detained. Additionally, protections for previously designated sensitive areas, such as schools and churches, have been removed, which were once considered safe zones under previous administrations.
Educational Institutions' Response
According to Local 10, the educational system in South Florida has voiced concerns over the recent immigration actions implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump. In response, on January 27, 2025, Angela R. Fulton, the deputy superintendent of Broward County School District, issued a memorandum titled "Update on Federal Immigration Policy for Schools."
This document instructs principals not to release student information without proper authorization and to consult the district's legal advisor in specific situations. Fulton stressed that student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law in effect for nearly 50 years.
In light of these developments, Broward educational authorities are seeking to balance compliance with federal laws while safeguarding the rights and privacy of their students, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for the entire school community.
Key Questions about ICE Operations and Community Impact
What triggered the ICE operation in Miami-Dade?
The operation was part of a larger effort involving multiple agencies seeking individuals with deportation orders and those present during the raids without proper documentation.
How are residents advised to respond during ICE raids?
Residents are advised to remain silent without legal representation and not to allow agents to enter their homes without a warrant signed by a judge.
What are the concerns of educational institutions regarding these operations?
Schools are concerned about the safety and privacy of their students and have been instructed not to release information without proper authorization, as per legal guidelines.