- Federal agents detained more than half the crew at a major student housing construction site in College Town, disrupting a project originally set for completion in fall 2026.
- Homeland Security says more than 100 illegal aliens were taken into custody. They say some were previously deported. HSI says those taken into custody are from several countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia & Honduras.
- Hedrick Brothers Construction says it’s cooperating with the investigation, while ICE confirms multiple search warrants were served but hasn’t released specific details or arrest numbers.
- Watch the video to see bystanders and family members' reaction.
UPDATED BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Federal Agents have taken over the site behind me. From what it appears, more than half of the crew was taken into custody. ICE says it's part of a broader investigation but isn't sharing details yet.
Crews working on a student housing construction project are in custody, taken away in buses.
In a statement, Hedrick Brothers Construction said, quote:
"We have been made aware that the authorities have taken control of the site. Hedrick Brothers Construction will fully cooperate with all elements of the investigation."
The construction company is now clouded in uncertainty. Expected to be completed by fall 2026, the company is evaluating the impact of losing much of its workforce.
In a statement to ABC 27, an ICE spokesperson said, quote:
"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigation served multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation in the Tallahassee region."
BREAKING! @HSITampa led teams from @EROMiami @FLHSMV @fdlepio @DEAMiamiDiv @FBIJacksonville @ATF_Tampa @USMarshalsHQ @IRSCI_Miami during the arrest of more than 100 illegal aliens (some of which were previously deported and others with criminal backgrounds) at a major… pic.twitter.com/FGLwWBW2Gr
— HSI Tampa (@HSITampa) May 29, 2025
Family members of those detained watched as their loved ones were handcuffed.
Bystanders had a mix of emotions.
"I'm atonic, I'm surprised but I'm not surprised. They have families, they have pets you know."
Larisa Cladakis says she works next to the construction site and says it didn't take long to realize something was going on.
"I saw some lights and I came out and there weren't a lot of cars but then a lot more showed up."
ICE says more details will come as the investigation continues. We’ll keep you informed.
Original:
The Florida Highway Patrol is working a scene with Homeland Security Investigatons.
They are in College Town near West Gaines Street and the roundabout at a construction site.
WTXL has seen a number of people being taken into custody.
FHP said they are a supporting agency.
An ICE spokesperon shared this statement:
“U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation served multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation in the Tallahassee region. There is no additional information available at this time."
The operation is taking place at a construction site where the student housing project, Perla, is being built.
Hedrick Brothers Construction spokesperson said they are aware of the situation:
"Hedrick Brothers Construction fully complies with all regulatory standards, including all E-Verify employment verification requirements. Furthermore, we require all independent subcontractors to follow the same legal standards, as outlined in our contractual agreements with their companies. We have been made aware that the authorities have taken control of the site. Hedrick Brothers Construction will fully cooperate with all elements of the investigation."
We reached out to the Tallahassee Police Department, which says they are not involved.
WTXL is on scene gathering more information.
This is a developing story.
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