Key West is experiencing an unprecedented surge in federal immigration enforcement that has devastated the island community. Since spring 2025, Customs and Border Protection agents have intensified operations across the Florida Keys, conducting detentions on bike paths, in rideshare vehicles, and at school drop-offs. According to local activists, approximately two residents are detained daily, with some days seeing as many as six to nine arrests. Most of those apprehended hold valid documentation, including work permits, pending asylum cases, and social security numbers.
The enforcement surge is part of Operation Tidal Wave, a statewide initiative launched by ICE in April 2025. The program resulted in over 1,120 arrests during its initial six-day period and has since logged more than 10,000 arrests across Florida by January 2026. Recent detentions have disproportionately targeted Haitian immigrants who recently lost Temporary Protective Status. Governor Ron DeSantis has characterized Florida as “the tip of the spear” in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Key West’s unique geography amplifies the impact of these enforcement actions. With only one road connecting the islands to the mainland and a year-round population of roughly 25,000, the concentrated detention rate affects the community in ways larger cities do not experience. Community members have responded by organizing support networks to assist detained neighbors and their families. Activist Lucy Hawk co-founded the Key West Immigrant Support Network in June 2025 to document cases and provide aid to affected residents.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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