More than 100 undocumented immigrants detained by ICE at construction sites in Tallahassee
More than 100 individuals were detained during a major immigration raid on Thursday, May 29, in one of Florida’s largest immigration enforcement actions in recent years. The raid took place at a busy student housing development under construction near Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
The operation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — and supported by the Florida Highway Patrol as well as various local and federal law enforcement agencies. The raid took place in the heart of CollegeTown, a lively district popular among students and just steps away from FSU’s iconic football stadium.
Authorities confirmed that the enforcement action was part of an ongoing investigation involving undocumented workers at large-scale construction projects in the area.
More Than 100 Detained in Tallahassee Construction Site Raid
Witnesses described a heavy law enforcement presence, including officers wearing camouflage and some with their faces covered, sweeping through the construction site in the early morning hours. Workers were reportedly stopped and asked to provide identification and proper work permits. Those who could not produce valid documentation were taken into custody.
A nearby construction worker said that his own job site had been raided just an hour earlier. “People were running in every direction. Some managed to get away, but others were caught,” he told reporters on the scene.
HSI Tampa confirmed the operation in a social media post on X, stating:
“HSI Tampa led the arrest of more than 100 illegal aliens — some of whom had previously been deported or had criminal backgrounds — at a major construction site in Tallahassee, Florida, during a targeted enforcement operation today!”
The post further noted that the individuals detained hailed from several countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, and Honduras.
ICE Releases Statement, Limited Details
While the full scope of the investigation remains under wraps, ICE officials released a brief statement confirming the operation and the issuance of multiple search warrants:
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations served multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation in the Tallahassee region,” an ICE spokesperson said. “There is no additional information available at this time.”
The lack of specific details has left many in the community with questions — especially given the scale and visibility of the raid.
Who Was Detained?
Detainees reportedly included men and women, with some telling local reporters from inside buses that they were from Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Honduras. ICE later confirmed that individuals from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia were also among those taken into custody.
Importantly, a Florida State University spokesperson clarified that the university had no involvement with the construction project or the federal operation. The development site is independently managed and not affiliated with FSU.
Where Were the Detainees Taken?
While ICE has not disclosed exact transport details, it’s expected that most detainees will be taken to ICE detention centers in either Baker County or Walton County, both of which are commonly used for immigration holds in Florida.
However, a few individuals facing criminal charges will be held at the Leon County Jail, according to Leon County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shonda Knight. She added that these individuals will be processed on what are known as “ICE holds” — legal detainers placed on undocumented individuals with pending criminal matters.
Interestingly, both the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office stated they were not involved in the operation, emphasizing that it was entirely handled at the federal and state levels.
Where Did the ICE Raid Take Place?
The main location of the raid was a large construction site at the intersection of West Gaines Street and Lake Bradford Road, directly across from Florida State University’s athletic facilities and in close proximity to CollegeTown’s restaurants, bars, and student housing.
The site, still under active development, is part of a broader construction boom in Tallahassee — particularly in areas catering to students. Locals were shocked by the high-profile enforcement action, especially given its location in such a central, public area.
How to Locate Someone in ICE Custody
Families and friends of detainees seeking information can use ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) to find individuals held in custody for over 48 hours. The system does not require users to provide personal information or create an account, though it does log basic internet metadata for traffic monitoring.
ICE has stated that while user data is collected, it is not used to identify or track visitors and is not tied to any immigration enforcement activities.
What Comes Next?
As of now, ICE has not released further updates regarding potential charges, deportation proceedings, or employer accountability. The agency’s statement emphasizes that the operation is part of an ongoing investigation — suggesting more developments may be forthcoming.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about immigration enforcement tactics, especially in states like Florida where recent legislation has increased pressure on undocumented laborers. Advocates and legal aid groups are urging family members of those detained to seek counsel and prepare for possible immigration court proceedings.
For now, the CollegeTown construction site remains quiet — its labor force dramatically reduced, its future uncertain.
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