In a surprising twist, a voter of Donald Trump in Florida has expressed his bewilderment and frustration following an ICE raid that impacted his local business, a small roofing company.
The owner, Vincent Scardina, who publicly supported the president, now confesses that he never imagined that Trump's immigration policies could affect the workers at his company, who are employed legally and have no criminal records.
The raid, which took place on May 27 on US 1 in Sugarloaf Key, left Scardina without a third of its employees: six Nicaraguan men who had their paperwork in order, including valid work permits and pending asylum cases.
"This should not have happened," Regilucia Smith, the lawyer for the detainees, told NBC Miami, emphasizing that five of them had nearly expired work permits but had no criminal records either in the United States or in Nicaragua.
The raid was part of a broader effort by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) against undocumented workers across various sectors in Florida, particularly in the construction industry.
The detainees were in a truck on their way to work when they were arrested by ICE agents.
The impact on the business and the community
For Scardina, losing these employees represents a severe financial blow to his small business.
"It will be very difficult to replace those kids," he stated, emphasizing the challenge of finding new employees in a small community like his.
"In Key West, we cannot replace people as easily as in a big city," he added, explaining that substitutes would have to go through a lengthy training process.
However, the cost is not only economic.
Scardina described the emotional impact of the raid, noting that many of his workers had become close friends over the years of collaboration.
"You get to know these guys, you become their friend, not just their boss. It's shocking to see what happens to their families," he said, visibly affected.
The surprise of a Trump voter
Scardina, who has been a staunch Trump supporter, was taken aback by the nature of the raid.
The businessman had supported the president's immigration policies, believing that only criminals would be targeted for deportations. But now he feels disappointed by the way these policies are affecting law-abiding individuals who perform essential roles in the local economy.
"What happened here?" he questioned. "I thought the Trump administration would focus solely on deporting criminals, not workers like these."
Raids in essential sectors and the local impact
The raid in Key West is part of a larger effort that affects various labor sectors, such as construction, agriculture, gardening, and public services, where immigrant labor is essential.
"Our farmers and those in the hotel and leisure sector have been stating that our aggressive immigration policy is taking away excellent workers with extensive experience, and that these jobs are almost impossible to replace," he said on Truth Social.
The strict anti-immigrant policy of the White House has resulted in an economic impact caused by fear, uncertainty, and the massive loss of essential workers.
South Florida, where the Hispanic community supports significant sectors of the economy, is already showing the consequences of stricter immigration policies. In areas like Homestead, a prime agricultural community in Miami-Dade, commercial activity has plummeted.
"We are not selling even half of what we were selling a few months ago," confessed the owner of a small business in February.
It's not just about losing customers. Workers have also vanished due to ICE raids, with hundreds detained, mostly from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
At the end of May, more than a hundred were captured in a raid at various construction sites in Florida. The actions were focused in Wildwood, a rapidly growing community in the country, although other raids were reported in Tallahassee, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
On social media, videos of the arrests went viral quickly. "How shocking, taking them away when they are just working," commented a user.
Human rights organizations and activists reported the use of intimidating tactics, including agents with military tactical gear and mass blockades in work areas.
"A raid against people who are literally building our homes. ICE agents dressed as if they were going to war," denounced activist Thomas Kennedy from the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
In many communities, there are already reports of absences from work, the halting of projects, and a widespread atmosphere of fear among workers.
The dilemma of immigrants and the political debate
This type of raid has reignited the debate over Florida's immigration policy and the government of Donald Trump, particularly regarding the criminalization of immigrants simply for being undocumented foreigners.
In communities in southern Florida, where immigrants play a crucial role in the economy, concern over future raids and the possibility of more detentions is growing.
Scardina made it clear that his main concern now is the future of his business and his employees, and he is asking for their release.
His case highlights the contradiction in immigration policy and how ICE's actions affect not only immigrants but also entrepreneurs who, like him, have supported the administration without anticipating the consequences these policies would have on their daily lives and the local economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Raids and Their Impact in Florida
Why is Vincent Scardina surprised by the ICE raid on his business?
Vincent Scardina, a Trump voter, thought that ICE raids would only target criminals, not legal workers. The raid affected his business as he lost six Nicaraguan employees who had their documentation in order. Scardina had supported Trump's immigration policies believing that only criminals would be deported, but now he feels disappointed by the impact on legal workers who are essential to his business.
What is the economic impact of ICE raids in Florida?
The raids have significantly impacted the local economy, particularly in sectors such as construction and agriculture, which rely on immigrant labor. Local businesses are experiencing a decline in staff and customers, resulting in falling sales and difficulties in maintaining operations. The absence of immigrant workers could reduce GDP by 4.2%, according to experts.
How do ICE raids affect the immigrant community in Florida?
The raids have created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the immigrant community in Florida. Many people are afraid to leave their homes due to the risk of being detained, which has led to a significant decrease in the workforce in essential sectors. Additionally, the raids have resulted in the separation of families and the loss of essential workers, impacting both the community and the local economy.
What measures can business owners take to protect their employees during an ICE raid?
It is important for business owners to understand and comply with state labor laws, such as E-Verify, and to keep I-9 forms up to date. Additionally, they must be informed about the legal rights of their employees and ensure that they only allow the entry of ICE agents if they present a judge-signed warrant. Consulting with immigration lawyers can be crucial for properly handling these situations.
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