Video Shows ICE Agents Detain Construction Worker in Wilton Manors
Two ICE-Led Operations in South Florida Result in Detention of Two Men
At least two ICE-led operations took place in the last few days in South Florida, resulting in the detention of two men – one of them was working at a construction site in Wilton Manors at the time.
Federal Agents Detain Construction Worker in Wilton Manors
Friday just before noon, federal agents wearing DEA and Homeland Security vests showed up at a worksite in Wilton Manors and detained a man who is also a father, husband, and homeowner, and who has lived in the United States for 13 years.
Construction Site Owner Recounts the Incident
Jeb Shafer with Shafer Construction says he got a call from a subcontractor doing demolition saying there was a problem. “Of course, my mind immediately thought we hit a water pipe. Didn’t know I was gonna see 15 agents trying to arrest one person on my job site,” Shafer said.
Workers Witness the Detention
But things escalated. On cellphone video, another worker is heard saying, “Don’t touch me. Get off, get off, get off. Why you hit me?” The worker, a citizen, who doesn’t want to be identified, says he tried to give legal advice to the man the feds wanted. He says agents threatened to hit him and pushed him against a door.
Worker Describes Incident
“He tried to get his phone, so another officer, he start, ‘Listen, listen, don’t move, because if you start moving, I’m going to punch you, I will push you.’ That’s when he pushed me and then put me to the wall,” said the unidentified worker.
Construction Site Owner Reacts
“For this one particular undercover police officer to push my subcontractor against the door and threatened to hit him, it was just beyond the pale… it really kind of catches you off guard. You know, we see this on TV, you see this happening, you don’t think it’s going to be in your own backyard. Oh, that’s in New York, that’s Texas, but here in Wilton Manors,” Shafer said in disbelief.
Wilton Manors Police Department Response
The Wilton Manors Police Department says it responded to the scene after ICE requested assistance. However, the agency said on Twitter that it did not initiate or coordinate the operations with the feds. They said they were called out when ICE had challenges accessing a person they were seeking. They also said the department’s focus remains on local issues, like patrolling and responding to calls for service.
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about the immigration agency’s tactics and the impact on the community. The Wilton Manors Police Department’s response highlights the delicate balance between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
FAQs
* What happened at the construction site in Wilton Manors?
Federal agents detained a construction worker who has lived in the United States for 13 years.
* How did the Wilton Manors Police Department respond?
The department responded to the scene after ICE requested assistance, but did not initiate or coordinate the operations with the feds.
* What is the focus of the Wilton Manors Police Department?
The department’s focus remains on local issues, like patrolling and responding to calls for service.
