ICE Enforcement Is Up in Southwest Florida: What Families Need to Know
Immigration enforcement activity has increased significantly across Southwest Florida in recent weeks. Here is what families in the region need to know.
A Public Service Announcement for Southwest Florida
Attorneys at DeMine Immigration Law Firm are urging families across Southwest Florida to take note: immigration enforcement activity in the region is elevated right now, and families should be informed and prepared.
Where Enforcement Activity Is Concentrated
The increase spans Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties, including Immokalee, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral.
Both the Lee County and Collier County Sheriff's Offices maintain formal enforcement partnerships with ICE, which helps explain why activity in this part of Southwest Florida has been especially noticeable.
Who This Affects
According to attorney Indera DeMine, this increase is affecting individuals already in immigration court proceedings as well as those who have not yet appeared before a judge.
"This goes for people that are already in immigration court proceedings and ones that have not yet been in court proceedings."
— Indera DeMine, Esq.
Part of a Broader Statewide Trend
The increase in Southwest Florida reflects a pattern playing out across the state. Florida law now requires all 67 counties to maintain formal enforcement partnership agreements with federal immigration authorities, giving local law enforcement expanded authority to assist directly with immigration enforcement. The number of these partnership agreements statewide has grown sharply over the past year, with Florida leading the country in participation.
Between April 2025 and January 2026, a joint state and federal enforcement operation in Florida resulted in more than 10,400 arrests of unauthorized immigrants statewide, according to state law enforcement data.
What Families in Southwest Florida Can Do
There is no way to control enforcement activity in the region, but there are steps families can take to be prepared:
|
1. |
Understand where your case stands. Whether there is a pending petition, a filing a family member could make on your behalf, or another option available depends entirely on individual circumstances. Speaking with an immigration attorney is the only way to know what applies to your situation. |
|
2. |
Gather documentation now. If a family member is taken into custody, one of the first steps is often an attempt to file a bond motion. That process relies on evidence: tax filings, pay stubs, proof of community and family ties, and similar records. Having these organized in advance can matter. |
|
3. |
Be fully honest with your attorney about criminal history. Criminal history plays a significant role in bond proceedings, and immigration courts will treat undisclosed history as a serious concern. Full transparency with your attorney from the start is one of the most important things a family can do. |
Key Takeaways
• Enforcement activity has increased across Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties.
• Both pending court cases and individuals with no prior court appearances are affected.
• Knowing your case status, gathering documentation, and full honesty with your attorney can matter if a family member is detained.
• Every case is different, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
DeMine Immigration Law Firm
Have Questions About Your Immigration Case?
If you or a family member has questions about where your case stands or what to prepare for, our team is here to help you understand your options.
Schedule a Consultation →Individual immigration cases depend on each person's specific circumstances and should be evaluated individually. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.