ICE Operation in Florida Leads to 500 Arrests, Including Suspects Accused of Murder and Child Abuse
The weeklong enforcement action involved multiple federal, state, and local agencies and apprehended individuals with criminal histories and alleged ties to cartels.
A significant immigration enforcement operation in Southwest Florida, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulted in the arrest of 500 individuals. The sweep, conducted from August 24 through August 27, targeted undocumented immigrants with alleged criminal backgrounds, including charges of murder, child molestation, and ties to Mexican cartels.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving ICE and over five other agencies, such as the Florida Highway Patrol, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Suspects with Serious Allegations
Among those arrested was a Haitian national, identified as 28-year-old Whycliff Longin, who is accused of murder, attempted murder, sexual battery, and burglary. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Longin allegedly broke into a home and attacked two women, one of whom was found deceased with blunt force trauma. Longin, who was reportedly seeking asylum, is being held without bond and has an ICE detainer.
Another arrest involved a Mexican national accused of belonging to a cartel. Additionally, a Honduran national was apprehended on allegations of molesting two children. During the operation, officers also arrested Noe Lux Castro, a 24-year-old Guatemalan citizen who allegedly attempted to use a Taser on a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during his arrest.
Other individuals apprehended during the sweep had alleged or confirmed criminal histories including battery, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, domestic violence, and drug possession. Some had previously been deported and were found to have re-entered the U.S. without authorization multiple times.
Collaboration and Enforcement
Matthew Elliston, interim field office director for ICE's Enforcement and Removals Operations (ERO) in Miami, stated that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. "Working hand-in-hand with our state and local partners, we have successfully removed more than 500 illegal aliens from our streets, ensuring a safer environment for all," Elliston said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation, noting the state's proactive approach to immigration enforcement. "Florida continues to demonstrate how to turn important policy into meaningful action," DeSantis said. "We will not sit idly by and allow Floridians to be victimized. Rather, we are executing on a whole-of-government approach that engages federal, state, and local law enforcement to get the job done and keep Florida safe and free."
ICE reported that Florida has more deputization agreements for immigration enforcement assistance than any other state, with all 67 county sheriffs' offices and multiple state law enforcement agencies partnering with ICE. ICE stated that those who violate immigration laws and have criminal histories will face removal from the country.