TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s an app that lets people track immigration and customs enforcement sightings in their communities.
Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new enforcement division with the Florida Highway Patrol.
The governor praised the agency Friday for the way its tackled illegal immigration.
“There’s no agency in the country that’s done more than they have,” DeSantis said.
On X, the governor provided data regarding highway enforcement, indicating that over 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained since March 2025. More than 1,000 traffic stops have resulted in immigration arrests, and over 160 traffic accidents have involved the detainment of undocumented immigrants.
A new unit with FHP will focus on locating and apprehending undocumented immigrants in a partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.
“Now they’re able to do that and work seamlessly with the federal government, so it’s really positive to have that type of relationship,” DeSantis stated.
Ana Lamb is an advocate for the immigrant community.
“What Governor DeSantis was implying is like escalating to another level when they haven’t addressed the foundational issues,” Lamb noted. “There is a concern because of significant racial profiling.”
She said something is needed to help protect all immigrants afraid of being picked up by ICE.
Some individuals are utilizing “Coqui,” a community alert app that uses live maps. Users can mark locations such as ICE and police sightings. Posts remain anonymous and depend on community input.
“We need to assess if that is effective for people,” Lamb mentioned. “If we can manage and use this properly and accurately, it would be of great assistance.”
The Department of Homeland Security also offers an app for voluntary self-deportation. Lamb highlighted that each case is unique and recommends consulting with a lawyer before making such a decision.
