DeSantis STRIKES – Over 2 DOZEN ILLEGAL Arrested!

More than two dozen illegal immigrants were arrested at Florida construction sites in a major Homeland Security operation, showcasing Governor DeSantis’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws as part of the broader Trump administration strategy.

At a Glance

  • Homeland Security Investigations arrested over two dozen undocumented immigrants at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida
  • Those arrested were primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, with some having previous deportation histories
  • Florida has the highest number of state law enforcement officers deputized under federal immigration provisions
  • The operation involved cooperation between HSI Tampa, ERO Miami, and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • The Trump administration continues to prioritize deportations with 56% public approval according to a CBS poll

Significant Immigration Enforcement Operation in Central Florida

A coordinated federal-state operation led to the arrest of more than two dozen illegal immigrants at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida, approximately one hour northwest of Orlando. The operation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa in partnership with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), targeted individuals from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, some of whom had previously been deported from the United States.

HSI Tampa documented the enforcement action by posting video footage on social media showing agents at a neighborhood under construction in Wildwood, which is located south of The Villages, one of Florida’s rapidly expanding retirement communities. The federal agency noted that Florida is one of the “fastest growing” regions in the country, prompting increased scrutiny of construction companies suspected of employing undocumented workers.

Florida’s Expanding Role in Immigration Enforcement
The Wildwood operation comes amid Florida’s intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws at the state level. Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that over 100 Florida Highway Patrol troopers have been sworn in as special deputy U.S. Marshals, empowering them to conduct independent immigration enforcement activities. This designation enables state officers to make immigration arrests without direct federal supervision, significantly expanding Florida’s capacity to identify and detain illegal immigrants.

“Florida has led the nation on immigration enforcement, and we’re ready to do even more”, DeSantis said.

Under DeSantis’s leadership, Florida has become the state with the highest number of deputized law enforcement officers under the federal 287(g) program, which authorizes state and local agencies to perform immigration law enforcement functions. Several state agencies have signed these agreements with HSI, creating a force multiplier for federal immigration authorities. Following the Wildwood arrests, Governor DeSantis reinforced his commitment with the statement, “And the mission continues…”

Trump Administration’s Immigration Strategy

The Florida operation aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy. The administration has intensified deportation efforts nationwide, frequently highlighting arrested illegal immigrants and their criminal histories. In addition to enforcement actions, the Trump administration has implemented a voluntary self-deportation program offering assistance for commercial flights and a $1,000 stipend upon proof of exit from the country.

This approach appears to have substantial public support. According to a recent CBS Poll, 56% of respondents approve of Trump’s deportation policies. While complete details of the Wildwood operation – including the total number of arrests and specific charges filed – have not been released, the action demonstrates the growing coordination between federal and state authorities in immigration enforcement, particularly in high-growth areas where construction jobs attract undocumented workers.

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