ICE official speaks exclusively with WINK News about operations in Southwest Florida

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — WINK News anchor Claire Galt spoke exclusively with ICE Field Office Director Matthew Elliston about immigration enforcement in Southwest Florida and across the state.

Elliston, who oversees ICE operations in Florida and the Caribbean, discussed a recent enforcement operation in Lee County that he said resulted in about 500 arrests over four days.

In the exclusive interviews, Galt asked Elliston about who ICE is prioritizing, how enforcement operations are conducted, what happens after someone is arrested and whether immigration enforcement has increased in Florida.

Elliston also addressed questions about the recent Lee County operation and what happens to people after they are taken into ICE custody.

The interview comes as immigration enforcement activity continues to draw attention across Southwest Florida.

Last week communities from Fort Myers down to Estero reported ICE activity in their neighborhoods. WINK News also captured video of an arrest outside a Lee Health facility. 

Meanwhile protestors rallied in Downtown Fort Myers after receiving information that ICE agents were staying at a local hotel. 

Across the country, reports suggest ICE arrested roughly 50,000 people in August.