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Florida Construction Industry Under Federal Scrutiny as DHS Cracks Down on Illegal Labor
Federal immigration agents descended on Florida construction sites this week, arresting over two dozen undocumented immigrants in a targeted enforcement operation. The raids highlight growing concerns that the Sunshine State’s booming construction industry may be relying heavily on illegal labor, prompting deeper investigations and calls for accountability.
DHS Agents Move In on Wildwood Construction Projects
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested more than 24 individuals working without legal status at job sites in Wildwood, Florida, a high-growth area just south of The Villages. Those detained were primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, with some having already been deported once before.
HSI Tampa released video footage of the operation showing agents at the scene, though the clips stopped short of showing the arrests themselves. The agency stated this operation was part of a planned action and warned that further arrests and employer investigations may follow.
DeSantis Cracks Down with State-Federal Partnerships
Governor Ron DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a top priority, vowing to shield Floridians from the effects of illegal immigration. As part of that effort, over 100 Florida Highway Patrol troopers have been sworn in as special deputy U.S. Marshals, empowering them to assist in federal immigration enforcement.
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 agencies have also signed 287(g) agreements with federal authorities, giving local law enforcement the authority to act as immigration officers. This strategy provides DHS with a powerful force multiplier as it targets industries believed to be exploiting illegal labor, especially in sectors like construction.
BREAKING! @HSITampa @EROMiami @FLHSMV has arrested more than two dozen illegal aliens (some previously deported) at construction sites in Wildwood, Florida, during worksite enforcement encounters today! The illegal aliens are from Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras. @OfficialBOP pic.twitter.com/daQqf1Grq5
— HSI Tampa (@HSITampa) May 13, 2025
Construction Companies Could Be Next in Line
So far, ICE officials have remained tight-lipped on whether the employers involved will face charges. But with multiple investigations underway, there’s growing pressure to hold companies accountable for hiring undocumented workers. These arrests raise questions about how many construction firms may be cutting corners by ignoring E-Verify requirements or failing to confirm legal status.
The Wildwood raid is part of a broader Trump-era enforcement approach making a strong comeback. As Florida continues to expand, the focus is now shifting from just the workers to the businesses that fuel the illegal labor market.
With immigration enforcement intensifying, the message is clear: Florida is open for business, but not for illegal labor.
Sources:
Homeland Security announces dozens of immigration arrets at Wildwood construction sites
2 dozen undocumented immigrants arrested at Florida construction sites: HSI | FOX 35 Orlando