Key Takeaways
• On May 27, 2025, ICE detained six Nicaraguan workers with valid permits during a Florida Keys traffic stop.
• President Trump ordered over 4,000 National Guard and Marines to support ICE amid nationwide raids and protests.
• Legal challenges arise as ICE detains immigrants with valid work permits and pending asylum applications.
On May 27, 2025, a routine drive to a job site in the Florida Keys turned into a life-changing event for six Nicaraguan workers and their employer, Vincent Scardina. Scardina, a roofing contractor and supporter of President Trump, lost a third of his workforce that day when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained the workers during a traffic stop. The workers, who reportedly held valid work permits and had pending asylum applications, were taken into custody despite having no criminal records in either the United States 🇺🇸 or Nicaragua 🇳🇮. This incident is part of a much larger wave of ICE raids sweeping across the country, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but also those with legal status or pending cases.
The escalation in enforcement has sparked protests, economic disruption, and a sense of fear among immigrant communities. It has also led to a rare moment of regret for some Trump supporters like Scardina, who now faces both emotional and financial hardship. As ICE raids intensify and the federal government deploys military forces to support immigration enforcement, the effects are rippling through families, businesses, and entire communities.
ICE Raids Hit the Florida Keys: What Happened?
The Florida Keys, known for their tight-knit communities and reliance on skilled labor, have been hit hard by recent ICE raids. On May 27, 2025, six Nicaraguan workers employed by Vincent Scardina were stopped by local law enforcement, who were working in cooperation with ICE. The workers were on their way to a roofing job when they were detained. According to their attorney, Regilucia Smith, all six had valid work permits and pending asylum applications. None had criminal records.
Three of the workers were quickly transferred to detention centers in Texas and California, while the others remained in local custody as legal efforts to secure their release continued. Scardina, who had voted for President Trump and supported stricter immigration policies, expressed deep distress over the loss of his workers. He admitted to feeling “a little bit” of buyer’s remorse, saying the raids had not only hurt his business but also damaged his relationships with people he considered friends.
Other local contractors in the Florida Keys have faced similar problems. One landscaper reportedly lost nine or ten workers in a single sweep, forcing him to shut down his business. The sudden loss of skilled labor has left many small businesses unable to operate, highlighting the region’s dependence on immigrant workers.
Nationwide Escalation: ICE Raids and Military Involvement
The Florida Keys incident is just one example of a broader, nationwide escalation in ICE raids. On June 6, 2025, a high-profile raid at a Home Depot in Los Angeles led to mass protests, vandalism, and the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and Marines to the city. President Trump ordered the military deployment in response to the unrest, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and immigrant advocates.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly instructed ICE in May 2025 to target “anyone in the country illegally,” signaling a shift toward broader, less selective enforcement. This new approach has resulted in the detention of not only undocumented immigrants but also those with legal status or pending cases, such as asylum seekers and individuals with work permits.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have both condemned the federal response. Governor Newsom called the raids “mass deportations” that “indiscriminately target hardworking immigrant families.” Mayor Bass declared curfews in protest zones and warned that anyone violating them would be arrested. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has also taken steps to control the protests, which escalated after the Home Depot raid.
How ICE Raids and Detention Work
To understand the impact of these events, it’s important to know how ICE raids and the detention process work. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens:
- Identification: ICE identifies targets using various methods, including traffic stops, workplace raids, and information shared by local law enforcement.
2. Detention: Individuals are detained on suspicion of immigration violations. Local police often assist ICE in these operations. - Transfer: Detainees may be moved to local or out-of-state detention centers, sometimes within days of their arrest.
- Legal Review: Attorneys can file motions for release or challenge the detention. However, the process can be slow and uncertain, especially for those with pending asylum cases or work permits.
5. Deportation Proceedings: If not released, individuals face removal proceedings. They may be deported unless they can prove they qualify for relief under U.S. immigration law.
For more information on how ICE operates and to locate detained individuals, the official ICE Detainee Locator System provides up-to-date details.
The Human Cost: Employers, Workers, and Families
The effects of these raids go far beyond the individuals detained. Employers like Vincent Scardina are struggling to keep their businesses running. In regions like the Florida Keys, where there is already a shortage of skilled labor, losing even a few workers can mean the difference between staying open and shutting down.
Scardina’s story is not unique. Many small business owners in the area have lost entire crews, making it impossible to complete jobs or take on new work. The financial impact is severe, but the emotional toll is just as great. Scardina described the detained workers as friends and said their absence had left a hole in his life and his business.
For the workers and their families, the situation is even more dire. Many of those detained have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, built lives, and contributed to their communities. The fear of detention and deportation now hangs over not only undocumented immigrants but also those who believed they were following the rules by applying for asylum or obtaining work permits.
Policy Shifts and Political Reactions
The current wave of ICE raids marks a significant change from previous enforcement priorities. Under earlier administrations, ICE focused more on individuals with criminal records or final orders of removal. The new approach, directed by Stephen Miller and supported by President Trump, is less selective and more aggressive.
This shift has sparked strong reactions from local and state officials. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have both spoken out against the raids and the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement. They argue that these tactics harm communities, disrupt local economies, and undermine trust in law enforcement.
Federal officials, on the other hand, defend the raids as necessary for law enforcement and national security. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the deployment of additional National Guard troops to support ICE operations in Los Angeles, saying it was needed to restore order and enforce the law.
Economic and Social Impacts
The economic fallout from the raids is already being felt in places like the Florida Keys. Small businesses that rely on immigrant labor are finding it nearly impossible to replace skilled workers quickly. This is especially true in specialized trades like roofing and landscaping, where training new employees takes time and resources.
The social impact is just as significant. Communities with large immigrant populations are experiencing fear and uncertainty. Families are being separated, and children are left wondering if their parents will come home at the end of the day. The raids have also led to protests and unrest, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where thousands have taken to the streets to demand an end to what they see as indiscriminate enforcement.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current ICE tactics are not only affecting undocumented immigrants but also those with legal status. This has created confusion and fear among people who thought they were protected by their work permits or pending asylum applications.
Legal Challenges and Advocacy
As the number of detentions rises, so do legal challenges. Attorneys like Regilucia Smith are working to secure the release of detained workers, arguing that those with valid work permits and pending asylum cases should not be held. The legal process can be slow and complicated, with cases often dragging on for months or even years.
Advocacy groups such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) are providing support to affected individuals and families. They offer legal advice, help with paperwork, and work to raise awareness about the impact of the raids.
For those seeking legal help or information about their rights, resources are available through organizations like AILA and NILC.
Multiple Perspectives: Voices from the Community
The current situation has brought out a range of opinions and emotions from different groups:
- Employers: Many, like Vincent Scardina, feel regret and frustration. They supported stricter immigration policies but now face the loss of valued employees and friends. Some admit to “buyer’s remorse” as the reality of the raids hits home.
- Workers and Families: Those directly affected by the raids face trauma, separation, and uncertainty. Even those with legal status are not immune, leading to widespread fear in immigrant communities.
- Federal Officials: Defend the raids as necessary for upholding the law and protecting national security.
- Local Officials and Advocates: Condemn the raids as overreach, arguing that they harm communities and economies while doing little to improve public safety.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
The Trump administration has long been known for its tough stance on immigration. However, the 2025 escalation represents a new level of intensity. The use of military forces to support ICE operations is highly controversial and has drawn comparisons to past episodes of federal intervention in local affairs.
In the past, ICE focused its efforts on individuals with criminal convictions or final orders of removal. The current approach, however, casts a much wider net, targeting anyone suspected of being in the country without proper documentation, regardless of their legal status or pending cases.
This change has led to a breakdown in trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making it harder for local police to do their jobs and for immigrants to feel safe reporting crimes or cooperating with authorities.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments
Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸:
- Legal Challenges: Expect more lawsuits challenging the detention of individuals with valid work authorization and pending asylum claims.
- Local Resistance: State and local officials are likely to continue resisting federal enforcement measures, leading to further legal and political battles.
- Labor Shortages: Industries that rely on immigrant labor may face worsening shortages, prompting calls for policy changes or relief measures.
- Continued Protests: Ongoing protests and civil unrest in major cities could escalate if current enforcement tactics persist.
Practical Guidance and Resources
For employers, workers, and families affected by ICE raids, it’s important to know your rights and where to find help:
- If you or someone you know has been detained: Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to find their location.
- Legal Aid: Contact organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) for legal support.
- Local Government Resources: Reach out to your local sheriff’s office or city government for information on available services.
- Official Contact: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be reached at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).
Conclusion: A Community in Crisis
The recent ICE raids in the Florida Keys and across the United States 🇺🇸 have exposed deep divisions and raised serious questions about the future of immigration policy. Employers like Vincent Scardina are left to pick up the pieces after losing trusted workers and friends. Immigrant families live in fear, unsure if they will be able to stay together. Local and state officials are pushing back against what they see as federal overreach, while the federal government insists it is simply enforcing the law.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the effects of these raids will be felt for a long time. Whether through legal challenges, policy changes, or continued protests, the debate over immigration enforcement is far from over. For now, communities like the Florida Keys are left to cope with the immediate fallout, hoping for a resolution that balances security, fairness, and compassion.
For the latest updates and official information on ICE operations and immigration enforcement, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
Asylum application → A formal request by a refugee seeking protection from persecution in the U.S.
Work permit → Authorization allowing a non-citizen to work legally in the United States.
National Guard → State military force deployed to support federal law enforcement during domestic emergencies.
Deportation proceedings → Legal process that may result in an immigrant’s removal from the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE raids on May 27, 2025, in Florida Keys devastated Vincent Scardina’s workforce. These aggressive actions disrupt immigrant communities, businesses, and fuel widespread protests nationwide, highlighting urgent legal and social challenges surrounding immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.
— By VisaVerge.com
