MIAMI (AP) — In late March, a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer approached a Guatemalan couple in Bonita Springs, Florida, asking for identification and subsequently arresting the husband on a charge related to a dog bite, which his wife claims was fabricated. The couple, who are seeking asylum, reported that the officer did not exit his vehicle during the incident and waited for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrive.
The increase in immigration arrests in Florida has been significant, with 39,000 immigrants arrested over a 416-day period from January 20, 2025, to March 11, 2026, during President Donald Trump’s second term. This figure is more than triple the 11,088 arrests recorded during the same timeframe under the Biden administration. Florida's average daily arrests during this period were 93, second only to Texas.
Governor Ron DeSantis has supported the state's collaboration with ICE through 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. Experts suggest that local officers are under pressure to demonstrate results to both DeSantis and federal authorities. Immigration attorney Vilerka Bilbao noted that officers often stop vehicles for minor infractions, leading to potential ICE custody.
In another incident, Lee County sheriff’s deputies detained a Guatemalan man and his son, claiming their license plate was expired despite it being valid. The family reported that both were deported a week later, despite having pending immigration court cases. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the individuals had previously crossed the border illegally and had final orders of removal.
Both Florida agencies involved in these arrests have declined to release arrest reports and body camera footage, citing ICE's requirements. DHS has also refused to disclose sensitive law enforcement information related to these cases.