Recent immigration raids in Miami have severely impacted the landscaping industry, where the workforce is predominantly composed of Mexicans, Salvadorans, and Cubans.
Fulton Montoya, the owner of a landscaping business in Miami, expressed to Telemundo 51 that in his 35 years of experience, he has never encountered anything like this.
Just last month, his vehicle was blocked by three police cars, and his workers were detained.
Montoya recounted that he was driving his landscaping truck when he was surrounded by three official vehicles. "They didn't ask for my documents; they went straight after my employees," he explained. One of the detained individuals, he noted, was even awaiting an asylum decision.
"They come and take them away like criminals," he lamented after ICE agents arrested two of his employees. "They're like family," he added, his voice breaking.
"We have no employees, no workforce. They've been detained in Florida for a month. There's no respect for the community or legal processes," the businessman protested, feeling powerless in the face of the situation.
"It was painful to see them defenseless. They were just working," he emphasized.
In recent weeks, numerous Miami residents have reported sightings of ICE or Border Patrol vehicles in areas such as Little Havana, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Miami Beach, and Hollywood Beach.
"I saw them in Hollywood Beach today, the first time I've seen that here," a woman shared on social media.
"In Little Havana, it's impossible to go out; there are Border Patrol cars everywhere. I haven't left my house for two days," wrote another.
The accounts agree that the operations seem targeted at laborers, gardeners, and construction workers, intensifying fear among those without legal immigration status.
"I've seen videos of owners crying as their employees were taken away," an internet user commented. "It’s harsh living like this; these people are just working."
Despite a flood of testimonies and videos, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have not confirmed any large-scale operations in Miami over the weekend, nor have they responded to local media inquiries.
However, previous reports from credible sources confirm that raids have indeed occurred in recent months.
Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Miami Workers
What is the impact of recent immigration raids on Miami's landscaping businesses?
The raids have severely disrupted the landscaping industry in Miami, as many workers, primarily of Mexican, Salvadoran, and Cuban descent, have been detained, leading to a significant labor shortage.
How have local residents reacted to the presence of ICE and Border Patrol vehicles?
Residents have expressed fear and concern, reporting increased sightings of ICE and Border Patrol vehicles in neighborhoods, leading to heightened anxiety among those without legal status.
Have the authorities confirmed the recent immigration raids in Miami?
Despite numerous reports and testimonies, neither ICE nor the DHS have confirmed any large-scale raids in Miami recently. However, previous credible reports indicate such operations have occurred in recent months.