A Cuban individual has raised an alarm about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating near the location where immigrants go for fingerprinting in Tampa, Florida.
The eyewitness and a friend were inside a barbershop when they saw a woman being arrested outside the application plaza situated on Gunn Highway.
On January 2, the account was shared by TikTok user @alex6isl_. The video captures the distressed tone of the detained woman as presumed ICE agents, dressed in plain clothes and driving a blue Florida-tagged car, stopped her after she completed her fingerprinting process at the state office.
"This is abuse against a woman, they don't even identify themselves. It's abusive," the witness and his friend commented in the video while documenting the operation.
The narrative suggests that the agents waited outside the building for individuals attending their appointments.
"They're from ICE and they're hunting. It seems like they were waiting for someone to catch. Undocumented immigrants must be extremely cautious, try to enter and leave the offices quickly," the Cuban cautioned in the video.
Visibly shaken, the man expressed his frustration at being unable to intervene or prevent the woman's arrest.
"I have trembling hands because I can't do anything," he stated while showing the vehicle where the woman was reportedly held.
ICE has not released an official statement regarding this operation or the arrest captured in the footage. Nonetheless, the incident has sparked concern among Cuban and Latin American immigrants who frequent the application plaza in Tampa.
The post, which has garnered over 2 million views, prompted numerous social media users to comment. The immigrant community in Florida is urging individuals to exercise caution when attending immigration appointments, avoid resisting arrest, and seek legal advice if they have open cases.
Safety Tips for Immigrants in Florida
Avoid sharing personal information with strangers around immigration offices.
Attend appointments with a companion when possible.
Consult an immigration attorney before attending if there is an outstanding order.
Follow reliable sources and local community organizations for updated alerts.
Understanding ICE Operations and Immigrant Safety
What should immigrants do if approached by ICE agents?
It's crucial for immigrants to remain calm, not resist arrest, and request to speak with a lawyer if detained by ICE agents. Keeping a lawyer's contact information handy is also recommended.
How can immigrants protect themselves when attending appointments?
Immigrants should avoid sharing personal details with strangers, attend appointments with a friend or family member, and consult an immigration attorney if there are pending legal issues.