An individual, seemingly of Cuban descent based on his accent, voiced strong criticism against a deportation operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in the southwest region of Miami-Dade County.
Footage of the incident was aired by Local 10 News, courtesy of journalist Christian De La Rosa, who noted that the witness provided the video to highlight what he termed as an "abuse."
“I voted for Trump so they would deport those with records, the criminals, but not to target the workers. They're deporting the workforce, and it's an abuse,” the man is heard stating in the video.
Clearly upset, he points to a line of official vehicles, exclaiming, “Look at all these cars. This is a whole unit just to stop one person. They are abusers, they should be ashamed.”
The man recounted a previous similar operation where the detainees were Guatemalan workers with no criminal history, employed in landscaping tasks.
“They just stopped a truck on Krome Avenue and took three Guatemalans. They had no records. They were working, going to mow lawns,” he described.
Addressing the officers, he added, “I know, it’s not your fault, you’re just following orders. It’s your job, but this is too much. Who’s going to mow the lawns? Who’s going to plant the palms? They have no records.”
Journalist Christian De La Rosa reported that this was one of several immigration operations executed recently in southern Florida.
The recording was also shared on Instagram stories by former Democratic Congressman Joe Garcia, who represented South Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives and is recognized for advocating more humane immigration policies.
These operations are part of the Trump administration’s policy to strengthen immigration law enforcement, with an emphasis — as stated by the administration — on individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Nonetheless, this incident and similar complaints have reignited the debate over the scope and criteria of these raids, which appear to have shifted to Florida, impacting Latino worker communities in the southern part of the state.
The immigration sweep in southwest Miami-Dade County has not been an isolated event. In recent days, southern Florida has witnessed an escalation in ICE raids, instilling fear among immigrant communities and sparking growing protests.
In neighborhoods like Little Havana, multiple arrests have been reported, involving individuals without criminal records or pending legal issues.
Witnesses have condemned arrests taking place on public streets, in restaurants, markets, and at transportation stops, where immigration agents appeared without identifying themselves, causing distress among residents and business owners.
The immigration pressure has become so intense that civil rights organizations and community leaders in Miami have begun to mobilize.
A wave of fear and protests has swept through southern Florida, driven by those who claim that the operations are not adhering to the Trump administration's stated priorities, such as deporting criminals. Instead, they seem to be targeting workers, mothers, and even individuals with pending applications.
Images circulated on social media and local news outlets have shown ICE agents conducting arrests in public spaces without providing explanations.
These scenes have been described as “traumatic” and “disproportionate” by activists and eyewitnesses, who question the use of police forces to apprehend individuals without criminal backgrounds.
Understanding the Impact of ICE Raids in Florida
What prompted the criticism against the ICE raid in Miami-Dade?
The criticism arose because the raid targeted workers without criminal records, contrary to the expectations of those who supported Trump's immigration policies believing they would focus on criminals.
How have local communities responded to the ICE operations?
Local communities have responded with fear and protests, with civil rights organizations and community leaders in Miami mobilizing against what they see as unjust and abusive practices.
What has been the role of media and public figures in this situation?
Media outlets like Local 10 News and public figures such as former Congressman Joe Garcia have played a significant role in disseminating information and voicing opposition to the perceived abuses of the ICE operations.