A contractor from South Florida has expressed his shock and dismay after a raid by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at one of his work sites in the city of Wilton Manors, in Broward County, resulted in the detention of a worker.
The operation, which took place on the morning of February 7th, has raised concerns among business owners and the local immigrant community.
Jeb Shafer, owner of Shafer Construction, received a call from his subcontractor informing him that federal agents from ICE had arrived at the job site.
In an attempt to calm the situation, Shafer immediately went to the site, but could not prevent the arrest of one of his employees. "They are like family to you, so it's sad to see this", Shafer lamented, visibly affected, in statements to CBS News, describing the experience as "surreal."
A video of the incident shows a man in a white shirt being taken away in handcuffs by ICE agents.
According to Shafer, the worker has lived in the United States for 15 years and has a wife and child.
In the same recording, another subcontractor can be seen pressed against a wall while the agents interrogated him.
"I was trying to get my employee's cell phone to give it to his wife, trying to take the keys from the man who was being arrested," he explained.
The aggressive nature of the raid left Shafer and his workers in shock.
Finally, he decided to send his team home for the rest of the day.
"No one was willing to do any work," he confessed.
"I would like to find out what circumstances allowed them to come and take it. I want to get informed," he pointed out.
Legal rights before ICE agents
In light of these operations, immigration attorney Ángel Leal warns about the importance of knowing your legal rights when ICE agents arrive at a place of work or residence.
"They must have a signed order from a magistrate or a judge", explained Leal.
"If they don't have a signed order from a magistrate or a judge, they shouldn't be allowed to enter," she added.
Leal added that, while business owners and homeowners may allow agents to enter, individuals still have the right to remain silent.
"For example, if ICE agents say: 'Those of you who are undocumented, please stand here,' part of your right to remain silent is not to stand where they tell you.", he explained.
The lawyer also emphasized the importance of staying calm and not resisting authority.
"Everyone in this country, regardless of their immigration status, has constitutional rights," he stated.
Tips for Business Owners in Florida
Leal urged business owners to ensure compliance with state labor laws to avoid legal issues.
"Make sure to comply with the various E-Verify laws here in the state of Florida. Ensure that your I-9 forms are in order," he advised.
For his part, Shafer stated that he hopes to learn from the experience and contribute to the education of other contractors on how to handle these types of situations.
"I feel sorry for the affected families", he said.
"I just want to understand what happened and make sure I'm prepared to move forward," he added.
The political context and immigration policy in Florida
This operation takes place at a time of increasing pressure on immigration in Florida.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a partnership between the state and the Department of Homeland Security that allows ICE agents to collaborate with state and local law enforcement agencies in the detention and expulsion of immigrants.
The program grants the Florida Highway Patrol the ability to carry out immigration control tasks that they were previously not authorized to perform.
The reaction of the local authorities
In response to the criticism and concerns raised by the operation, the Chief of the Police Department of Wilton Manors, Gary Blocker, issued a statement clarifying his agency's position.
"Our agency does not initiate or coordinate federal immigration enforcement actions", Blocker said.
"ICE operates independently and determines when, where, and how to carry out its operations," he added.
According to Blocker, the local police only arrived at the scene after ICE personnel encountered difficulties in accessing the individual they were searching for.
"We understand that incidents like these can cause concern in our community," he stated.
"Our focus as your police department will continue to be on local issues, such as patrolling your neighborhoods, responding to service calls, and investigating crimes when they occur," he concluded.
For now, it is still unclear which of the security agencies involved had the confrontation with the subcontractor.
Meanwhile, business owners like Shafer are seeking clarity on how to handle these situations in the future and protect their employees.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Raids and Their Impact in Florida
What happened during the recent ICE raid in Wilton Manors, Florida?
During the ICE raid in Wilton Manors, Florida, a worker was detained in handcuffs at a construction site, causing concern among employees and contractor Jeb Shafer. The operation took place on February 7 and had a significant emotional impact on Shafer, who described the situation as "surreal."
What are the rights of immigrants during an ICE raid?
In the event of an ICE raid, immigrants have constitutional rights regardless of their immigration status. It is essential that ICE agents present a warrant signed by a magistrate or judge to enter a location. Furthermore, individuals have the right to remain silent and to not comply with the agents' instructions if they do not wish to do so.
How are ICE raids affecting businesses in Florida?
ICE raids are causing a significant decrease in the immigrant workforce, negatively affecting key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Many immigrants prefer to stay home for fear of being detained, which impacts the productivity and sales of local businesses.
What measures is the Florida government taking regarding immigration?
The Florida government, under the administration of Ron DeSantis, has established a collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to intensify immigration enforcement activities. This includes permitting the Florida Highway Patrol to participate in immigration control tasks alongside ICE.
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