A Thursday morning raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in northwest Miami-Dade ended with 11 men taken into custody, drawing criticism from family and community members.
The arrests took place near NW 118th Street and 11th Avenue between 6 and 7 a.m., according to witnesses and video from Only in Dade. ICE confirmed the operation was a “work site enforcement” led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Several of the detained men were paving company workers. One was identified as Luis Mendoza, the owner of Mendoza Pavers. His wife said he was stopped in his car and refused to exit, prompting agents to break the window and forcibly remove him.
Family and friends claim the men were followed from areas like Miami Gardens and Little Havana and say many had valid documents, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work permits.
“When they showed their papers, agents claimed they were fake and didn’t want to see them,” said Argee Flores, a friend of the detained men. “It’s abuse of authority.”
ICE has not released further details on the individuals arrested but confirmed that those found in violation of immigration law are subject to detention and removal. Some of the men are reportedly being held at a facility in Doral.
HSI said it investigates businesses for worksite violations and ensures compliance with federal employment laws.
This is a developing story.
