Communities gather in Collier ahead of immigration roundups 

Communities in Collier County gathered ahead of announced immigration roundups by federal agents nationwide.

The conditions in detention centers prompted protest across the country Friday night.

Many people stress those being taken to facilities like the Homestead detention center are human and going through trauma they will never forget.

“They contribute to the community in more ways than just getting the work done,” said. “They pay Social Security. Their children go to school here. Many of their children have grown up here.”

ICE agents are set to raid nine cities in the country.

“What is happening at these detention facilities; no, they are not nice places,” said Cyndy Nayer, who is working with the ACLU against federal action. “No, they are not better than anything else people have seen because the lasting affects will cause ripples for years to come.”

Fritz Roka, director of agribusiness at Florida Gulf Coast University, said the people being targeted help put food on tables for all.

“It’s roughly a $1 billion industry,” Roka said. “Just the value of products coming out the farms 80% of that is from fruits and vegetables. Again, all picked by human hands”  

But Christine Inzerillo said migrants should come here legally. And if they don’t, this is the reality they face.

“I definitely feel more comfortable that that those who aren’t supposed to be doing what they’re doing and that people are taking care of it,” Inzerillo said. 

The Trump administration said the raids are warning to keep families from approaching the U.S. southern border with Mexico.

Neighbors say ICE agents knocking on doors in Immokalee