Ed. Note: The video above… is real. If you see this kind of activity from CBP “officer Bruno” who is well known for this in his RED SUV… or if you see other CBP activity… please call the Key West Immigrant Support Network at 305-771-4248 or email keywestis25@gmail.com.
Community advocates and multiple local sources are urging caution among members of Key West’s immigrant community following several days of increased federal immigration enforcement activity across the Lower Keys.
Residents and workers who said they witnessed operations reported that enforcement actions involving officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security were first observed on Stock Island earlier this week before moving into New Town and parts of Midtown.
Witnesses described an uptick in vehicle stops and street-level encounters in residential and commercial areas. Some community advocates are advising individuals without legal status to avoid unnecessary travel while activity remains elevated, though no formal curfew or public advisory has been issued by local government.
Several sources said a red sport-utility vehicle associated with a CBP officer known locally by the nickname “Bruno” has been seen in connection with some of the recent enforcement actions. The allegations include claims of wrongful detention and use-of-force incidents. Those claims have not been independently verified, and no official complaints or disciplinary findings were immediately confirmed by federal authorities.
Residents also reported seeing multiple CBP- and ICE-marked sport-utility vehicles staging in recent days near Owen’s gas station adjacent to federal offices at 2000 N. Roosevelt Blvd., where CBP maintains a local presence. Witnesses said the vehicles appeared to gather there before moving into surrounding neighborhoods.
The Key West Police Department said it would neither confirm nor deny whether it is cooperating with federal immigration agencies. A department representative said questions about the operations should be directed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As of publication, ICE had not responded to requests for comment.
Local community organizations said they are monitoring the situation and encouraging residents to remain calm and informed. Advocates emphasized the importance of knowing one’s rights and seeking legal guidance if individuals believe their rights have been violated.
Enforcement activity by federal immigration authorities can fluctuate and may involve targeted operations, patrols or interagency coordination. As of Tuesday, city officials had not issued a public statement regarding the reported increase in activity.
Tags: Key West, immigration, CBP, ICE, DHS, public safetyIncreased Federal Immigration Activity Reported Across Key West Neighborhoods
Advocates urge caution as enforcement presence rises.
KEY WEST, Fla. — Community advocates and multiple local sources are urging caution among members of Key West’s immigrant community following several days of increased federal immigration enforcement activity across the Lower Keys.
Residents and workers who said they witnessed operations reported that enforcement actions involving officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security were first observed on Stock Island earlier this week before moving into New Town and parts of Midtown.
Witnesses described an uptick in vehicle stops and street-level encounters in residential and commercial areas. Some community advocates are advising individuals without legal status to avoid unnecessary travel while activity remains elevated, though no formal curfew or public advisory has been issued by local government.
Several sources said a red sport-utility vehicle associated with a CBP officer known locally by the nickname “Bruno” has been seen in connection with some of the recent enforcement actions. The allegations include claims of wrongful detention and use-of-force incidents. Those claims have not been independently verified, and no official complaints or disciplinary findings were immediately confirmed by federal authorities.
Residents also reported seeing multiple CBP- and ICE-marked sport-utility vehicles staging in recent days near Owen’s gas station adjacent to federal offices at 2000 N. Roosevelt Blvd., where CBP maintains a local presence. Witnesses said the vehicles appeared to gather there before moving into surrounding neighborhoods.
The Key West Police Department said it would neither confirm nor deny whether it is cooperating with federal immigration agencies. A department representative said questions about the operations should be directed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As of publication, ICE had not responded to requests for comment.
Local community organizations said they are monitoring the situation and encouraging residents to remain calm and informed. Advocates emphasized the importance of knowing one’s rights and seeking legal guidance if individuals believe their rights have been violated.
Enforcement activity by federal immigration authorities can fluctuate and may involve targeted operations, patrols or interagency coordination. As of Tuesday, city officials had not issued a public statement regarding the reported increase in activity.
