Black vehicles with flashing lights, uniformed agents, and men being searched in the middle of the street: the images shared on social media, which show alleged immigration raids at various locations in Miami-Dade, have shaken the Latino community and sparked a deep sense of fear and outrage.
The videos, shared by the popular local account Only in Dade, show agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) making arrests in public places.
In the recordings, captured by witnesses on their mobile phones, voices can be heard commenting in astonishment: “They are people who are working”; “Look at that, ICE,” as the officers interact with individuals near parked vehicles.
The post, which received over 12,000 reactions in just a few hours, was accompanied by a brief but impactful phrase: "ICE agents seen in multiple locations around Dade County today...".
The post unleashed a torrent of comments reflecting the tension and division within the community. “It’s painful to see so many Latinos celebrating the misfortune of other Latino workers,” wrote a woman.
Another user pointed out with irony: “The same people who are happy today will be complaining next week because José didn’t come to cut their grass for $45 and now they’ll have to call Chad for $125.”
While some called for calm and advised carrying proper documentation — "If you're stopped, have your license or residency with you" — others applauded the presence of federal agents: "Just be legal. My Cuban dad became a citizen, stop making excuses."
Testimonials from the streets
In the last 48 hours, multiple residents of Miami have reported seeing ICE or Border Patrol vehicles in areas such as Little Havana, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Miami Beach, and Hollywood Beach.
"Today I saw them in Hollywood Beach, it's the first time I've seen that in this area," a woman reported on social media. "You can't even go out in Little Havana; there are Border Patrol cars everywhere, I've been stuck at home for two days," wrote another.
Other witnesses claim that the raids appear to be targeted at workers, gardeners, and construction laborers, which has heightened fear among those lacking immigration status.
"I've seen videos of owners crying as they took their employees away," commented an internet user. "It's bitter to live like this; these people are just trying to work."
Despite the flood of testimonies and videos, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have not confirmed the conduct of mass operations in Miami over the weekend.
Preliminary raids in 2025
Reports from accredited media confirm that raids have indeed taken place in recent months.
In June, NBC 6 South Florida reported on an operation in the northwest of Miami-Dade County, where 11 people were arrested. In January, Telemundo 51 and Miami New Times also documented the detention of undocumented immigrants at various locations in South Florida.
These circumstances keep the concern alive among migrant communities, especially Cubans, Venezuelans, and Central Americans, who work in vulnerable sectors such as construction, gardening, or domestic service.
Official silence and a climate of tension
As of the time of this note, there is no official confirmation of a coordinated operation by ICE in the county. However, the viral spread of videos from Only in Dade and the warnings posted by local influencers have heightened fear.
"We also built this country," wrote a user. "It's not fair for us to be treated like criminals."
While the authorities remain silent, Miami is experiencing a day marked by uncertainty and fear. The streets remain calm, but in the homes of many immigrants, the echo of a phrase is repeated with anguish: "They are people who are working."
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