News Summary
Federal immigration agents conducted a raid at the construction site of Loxley Elementary School in Alabama, detaining 11 individuals. The operation involved chaos as workers attempted to flee, with some hiding on rooftops. This raid reflects a larger trend of increased immigration enforcement in the region. While the construction project is crucial for the growing student population, local authorities confirmed cooperation with federal agencies while ensuring legal compliance among workers.
Loxley, Alabama – Federal Immigration Agents Conduct Raid at School Construction Site
On Wednesday morning, federal immigration agents executed a raid at the construction site of the new Loxley Elementary School in Loxley, Alabama. The operation began around 8:30 a.m. and resulted in the detention of 11 individuals, marking a significant immigration enforcement action in the area.
Details of the Raid
The raid was led by agents from the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force. Law enforcement vehicles and personnel quickly descended on the construction site, which is located in the early stages of building a new elementary school scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Witnesses reported a scene of chaos as the operation unfolded.
A worker present at the site, identified only as Irv Ballonoff, filmed footage of the agents arriving and described the disturbance. According to Ballonoff, the area became frantic as workers fled the site for nearby fields. However, when agents on four-wheelers pursued them, many workers turned back towards the school in an attempt to hide.
Attempts to Evade and Hiding Strategies
Some workers tried to conceal themselves by climbing into the roofs and attics of the school building. During the chase, at least one law enforcement officer fell through the roof while pursuing a suspect. The scene was marked by disorder and quick movement as law enforcement attempted to detain the workers.
Law Enforcement Presence and Actions
In addition to ground personnel, a helicopter was observed hovering overhead, and authorities took measures to secure the site by blocking off the construction gates. Despite the chaos, 11 individuals were successfully arrested during the raid. Law enforcement officials stated that the operation was part of a larger effort to enforce immigration laws across the region.
Eyewitness Accounts and School District Response
While many workers were detained, not all workers at the site were undocumented or arrested. According to Ballonoff, he was aware of only one person who was initially arrested, and that individual had managed to escape further into the building’s roof before being apprehended approximately 30 minutes later.
Superintendent of Baldwin County Schools, Eddie Tyler, confirmed that the school district is cooperating fully with federal authorities. He emphasized that the district’s contracts require compliance with federal law but indicated that there is no evidence of wrongdoing within the school district itself. The ongoing construction activities continued after the raid, with work resuming later in the day.
Context and Broader Enforcement Trends
This raid is part of a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement in Alabama, particularly in Baldwin County. The region has experienced a rise in immigration-related actions, aligning with federal initiatives that aim to arrest large numbers of undocumented individuals. Notably, recent national policies have set a goal of arresting up to 3,000 individuals daily for immigration violations, reflecting a heightened federal emphasis on immigration enforcement.
Background on the Construction Project and Local Impact
The new Loxley Elementary School is a major infrastructure project designed to accommodate the growing student population in the area. The construction site has involved numerous local workers, many of whom are documented and have complied with legal employment requirements, as noted by eyewitnesses.
Following the raid, construction activities at the site resumed later in the day, with ongoing efforts to complete the school ahead of its scheduled opening.
The event highlights the increasing cooperation between federal authorities and local law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement efforts within Alabama, reflecting ongoing national discussions on immigration policies and law enforcement priorities in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 state 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
