U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently collaborated with various federal, state, and local agencies to carry out a weeklong immigration enforcement operation in Southwest Florida. This initiative resulted in around 500 arrests.
Among those apprehended were individuals facing serious charges: a Haitian man accused of murder, a Honduran suspected of child molestation, a purported Mexican cartel member, and a Guatemalan who allegedly attempted to harm an officer during his arrest. Others were taken in for various crimes, like DUI, hit-and-run, domestic violence, and illegal drug possession, as well as for repeatedly entering the U.S. after deportation.
From August 24 to 27, ICE agents worked alongside local officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida National Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Notable Arrests
One high-profile arrest included Whycliff Longin, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Haiti who was charged with murder after an incident on August 27. Longin, who was reportedly seeking asylum, broke into a home in Lehigh Acres. Authorities responded to a 911 call from a woman who had managed to escape after being assaulted. Upon arrival, deputies found Longin fleeing and later discovered another female victim deceased, leading to several serious charges against him.
Longin faces charges including second-degree murder, sexual battery, and burglary with battery. He remains in custody at Lee County Jail with an ICE detainer, and the medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
Additionally, the operation resulted in the capture of a suspected Mexican cartel member and a Honduran man accused of molesting two children. In another instance, Noe Lux Castro, a 24-year-old Guatemalan, attempted to use a Taser against an officer during his arrest. Castro was charged with multiple offenses, including resisting law enforcement.
Other arrests included Olmen Noel Vargas-Mendoza and Marlon Rolando Calderon-Castellon, both from Honduras, along with various individuals from Guatemala and Mexico, all with extensive criminal histories ranging from domestic violence to DUI offenses.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that the state remains committed to addressing illegal immigration and safeguarding its residents. He highlighted Florida’s unique position as a leader in immigration enforcement, stating the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure community safety.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws actively, sending a message that those who violate these laws will face consequences.
