News Summary
A federal immigration enforcement operation conducted at the site of the new Loxley Elementary School in Alabama led to the arrest of 11 individuals. The raid, executed by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, resulted in significant chaos at the construction site, as law enforcement detained workers suspected of illegal immigration status. Although many workers were documented and remained unharmed, local officials confirmed their cooperation with federal investigators, emphasizing the ongoing construction project’s importance to the community.
Loxley, Alabama — Federal Immigration Raid At Construction Site Leads to Arrests
Law enforcement authorities conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation at the construction site of the upcoming Loxley Elementary School in Loxley, Alabama, early Wednesday morning. The raid resulted in the detention of 11 individuals, as federal agents from the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force responded to suspected violations related to illegal immigration status.
Details of the Raid
The operation began around 8:30 a.m., with law enforcement arriving swiftly at the site. Witnesses on the scene reported chaos as agents moved in to detain workers involved in the construction project. A local worker and observer, Irv Ballonoff, captured footage showing the agents arriving and described a scene of frantic activity. Workers initially fled the area, running out into nearby fields to escape the officers.
However, as agents on four-wheelers pursued the fleeing workers, many of them decided to return toward the construction site to hide. Some workers sought refuge by attempting to conceal themselves in the roofs and attics of the building, with at least one agent reportedly falling through the roof while pursuing a suspect. During the operation, a helicopter hovered overhead, assisting law enforcement in maintaining aerial surveillance, while gates were temporarily blocked to secure the site.
Arrests and Aftermath of the Operation
In total, 11 individuals were arrested during the raid. The operation was described as part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws in the region. It is noted that many on-site workers were documented and not detained, underscoring that not all individuals present were targeted or involved in unlawful activity. According to Ballonoff, he was aware of only one individual who was arrested; this individual initially escaped further onto the roof but was eventually apprehended after a chase lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Response from Local Officials
Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler confirmed that the school district is cooperating with federal investigators in the investigation. He emphasized that all district contracts include clauses requiring compliance with federal laws, and he assured the public that there is no indication of wrongdoing within the district related to the incident.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Trend
The raid at Loxley’s construction site is part of a larger pattern of increased immigration enforcement in Alabama. The area has seen a surge in government-led arrests, which aligns with recent federal initiatives aimed at tightening immigration controls. The administration of former President Donald Trump set a goal to arrest up to 3,000 individuals daily across the country, fueling a rise in such operations nationwide, including in Alabama.
Impact on Construction and Future Plans
Despite the arrests, work on the new Loxley Elementary School resumed after the raid, reflecting the ongoing nature of construction activities despite law enforcement actions. The school, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2026, is a key project for the local community, aiming to provide new educational facilities for students in the area.
Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Following the operation, local authorities noted an increased collaboration with federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws. The combination of local and federal efforts has contributed to a rise in enforcement actions in Baldwin County and surrounding regions, reflecting a broader national trend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox10 News
- Wikipedia: Loxley, Alabama
- AL.com
- Google Search: Immigration Raid Loxley
- WKRG News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Yellowhammer News
- Google News: Immigration Enforcement Alabama
- NBC 15 News
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
