Federal agents arrested over two dozen undocumented immigrants at Wildwood construction sites, with several found to have previously been deported from the United States.
At a Glance
- More than two dozen undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were arrested at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida
- The arrests were part of a targeted operation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Tuesday
- Several of those arrested had been previously deported from the United States
- The operation occurred in a region experiencing rapid construction growth, about an hour northwest of Orlando
- Florida has recently expanded its immigration enforcement capabilities through partnerships with federal agencies
Federal Raid Details
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents conducted a coordinated operation at multiple construction sites in Wildwood, Florida, resulting in the arrest of more than two dozen undocumented immigrants. The enforcement action specifically targeted workers from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras who were allegedly working in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Officials confirmed that several of those detained had previously been deported from the United States, suggesting ongoing challenges with repeat illegal entry.
The operation took place in Wildwood, a rapidly developing area located south of The Villages and approximately one hour northwest of Orlando. HSI Tampa documented portions of the operation, posting video footage on social media showing agents at a construction site, though no actual arrests were shown in the released material. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has indicated that additional details about the enforcement action will be forthcoming.
More than two dozen undocumented immigrants have been arrested at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Wildwood is located south of The Villages, and about an hour northwest of Orlando. https://t.co/X46wiYn6Jf
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) May 14, 2025
Florida’s Growing Immigration Enforcement
The Wildwood operation highlights Florida’s increasingly active role in immigration enforcement matters. The state has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with construction booming across multiple sectors. Federal investigators are reportedly examining whether construction companies in the area are systematically hiring undocumented workers. This operation appears to be part of that broader investigation, though specific details about potential charges against employers have not been released.
“Homeland Security Investigations says more than two dozen undocumented immigrants have been arrested at construction sites in Wildwood.”, said Homeland Security Investigations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken significant steps to increase the state’s immigration enforcement capabilities. He recently announced that over 100 Florida Highway Patrol troopers were sworn in as special deputy U.S. Marshals, enabling them to conduct independent immigration enforcement actions. Several Florida state agencies have also signed formal 287g agreements with HSI, creating official partnerships for collaborative federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Federal Immigration Policy Context
This operation aligns with broader immigration enforcement priorities established under the Trump administration. While some details of Tuesday’s enforcement action remain undisclosed, ICE officials have indicated they are finalizing their assessment of the operation. The precise number of arrests and specific charges have not been officially confirmed beyond the initial statement that “more than two dozen” individuals were detained during the worksite encounters.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it could not release more information immediately, but teams are working to finalize Tuesday’s enforcement actions.”, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Worksite enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants have been a consistent component of federal immigration strategy. The Wildwood operation demonstrates the continued focus on construction sites, which have historically been identified as sectors with higher concentrations of unauthorized workers. As Florida’s construction industry continues to expand, federal authorities appear to be increasing scrutiny on labor practices and immigration compliance throughout the state.
