Detained While Working: Immigration Arrest of Six Roofers Sparks Outrage in the Keys

Six roofers in the Lower Keys are now in immigration detention after being stopped by federal agents on their way to work. The men, all from Nicaragua, were detained by immigration authorities on May 27 along U.S. 1 in Sugarloaf Key, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were asked to help transport some of the men for deportation.

Their attorney, Regilucia Smith, says five of the six have valid work permits and pending asylum claims. “They are legally here,” she said. “No criminal records, not here, not in Nicaragua.”

Co-workers believe the men were targeted because of their ethnicity. “It was obvious they were pulled over simply for being six Latino men in a work truck,” said roofer Virgil Scardina.

Vincent Scardina, the company’s owner, says the arrests have left his business reeling. “That’s a third of my crew,” he said. “You can’t just replace workers overnight in Key West.”

Scardina, a Trump supporter, expressed disappointment. “This isn’t what was promised. These aren’t criminals. This feels like a numbers game.”

Three of the men have been transferred to detention centers in Texas and California. Their attorney is fighting for their release on bond.

“These guys don’t deserve this,” said Virgil. “We miss them, but they’re the ones sitting in jail. We just want them back.”