The anxiety over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has extended beyond Miami, reaching cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Hialeah. Recently, these areas have witnessed traffic stops and the apprehension of migrant workers.
What began as whispers of checks in Little Havana on Monday has evolved into widespread unease throughout South Florida, fueled by new videos showing federal agents conducting operations on public roads and work zones.
According to an investigation by NBC6, ICE agents and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) detained a Nicaraguan man near loanDepot Park in Miami. Witnesses recorded the incident, and the man's coworker reported that he had filed for asylum and has a child born in the United States.
Simultaneously, L’Union Suite reported an increase in operations in Broward County, where unmarked vans and masked agents have been seen surrounding landscaping trucks and construction crews.
Increased Law Enforcement Activity Beyond Miami-Dade
These operations are not confined to Miami-Dade. In Palm Beach County, north of Miami, ICE agents conducted a raid at a construction site in Lake Worth Beach this week, resulting in the detention of numerous workers, as confirmed by local media.
This action has left families torn apart and children without one or both parents, prompting community organizations like the Guatemalan-Maya Center to hold vigils in support of those affected.
Photos and reports depict children recounting the arrests of their parents and neighbors laying flowers in memory of those taken, illustrating the human impact of the operation that now spans all of South Florida.
Community Reacts to Immigration Crackdown
Videos circulated on social media show workers handcuffed in the rain, vehicles being inspected on the sides of highways, and agents checking documents in Home Depot parking lots in Plantation and Davie.
Authorities confirmed to local media that these are "targeted enforcement actions in industries with high violation rates," but they refused to disclose the number of arrests or protective measures for civilians.
Immigrant rights activists have criticized these tactics as "intimidating and disproportionate," warning that they are causing panic among working families, including legal residents.
In Miami-Dade neighborhoods like Little Havana and Hialeah, many are choosing to stay home and keep their children from school for fear of encountering checkpoints. "This feels like a manhunt; they're stopping anyone who looks Latino," said a Cuban woman who wished to remain anonymous.
Information Scarcity Fuels Anxiety
While the federal government remains silent, fear spreads faster than official information. Alerts flood WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media, many of which lack verification.
In a community largely comprised of immigrants, the current atmosphere is summarized by a phrase echoing across the region: "No one sleeps peacefully in South Florida."
Impact of ICE Operations in South Florida
What areas in South Florida are most affected by the ICE raids?
The raids have primarily impacted cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Hialeah, with significant activity in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
How are communities responding to the immigration raids?
Communities have responded with fear and anxiety, resulting in actions such as staying indoors, avoiding schools, and organizing vigils to support affected families.
What criticisms have been raised against the ICE operations?
Critics argue that the operations are intimidating and disproportionate, causing panic even among legal residents and disrupting the lives of many families.