A construction worker from South Alabama became the subject of a viral sensation after reportedly spending six hours on a building's roof to avoid arrest by federal immigration officials. The incident, which occurred in Spanish Fort, sparked reactions across the region, as local officials indicated their support for increased immigration enforcement efforts. Despite his newfound fame, the worker declined to comment on the matter when approached by AL.com.

In the wake of the event, there has been little public data available regarding the number of arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Alabama since President Donald Trump’s administration took office. However, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch has openly stated his office’s willingness to assist ICE with operations, saying, "in any way we can."

Immigration advocacy groups, such as Nathan Harris, an immigration attorney based in Birmingham, reported an uptick in enforcement, especially at construction sites in Baldwin County. “I see a lot more going on definitely down there," Harris explained. “We’re hearing it from the community, from our clients, but not so much in Montgomery (or) Birmingham.”

Robert Rone, an immigration lawyer based in Mobile, observed similar trends in arrests at job sites. Despite his support for Trump, Rone expressed concerns about the increased aggression of immigration enforcement. “Some of the immigration stuff has gone a little overboard,” Rone remarked, sharing that he often hears from families of arrested workers, which deeply affects them. “They take care of the family, so if they’re gone, everybody suffers.”

While the numbers and locations of arrests remain undisclosed, the FBI Mobile reported on March 13 that 137 people had been detained in various counties since early February. These arrests took place in counties such as Autauga, Baldwin, Coosa, Elmore, and Mobile. According to the American Immigration Council, Alabama has an estimated 209,000 immigrants, with 60,000 of them being undocumented. Immigrants represent 1.8% of the state’s workforce, and construction is the most common field for immigrant workers, with 12% working in that sector.

Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery has been vocal about his commitment to assisting ICE's deportation efforts. "We’re going to participate and actively help [ICE] and assist them in doing what they need to do," Lowery stated in an interview with 1819 News in January. His office, however, declined a comment from AL.com regarding the matter.

In contrast, some law enforcement officials in other regions of the state have been less outspoken about their position on mass deportations. ICE's Media Operations Unit Chief for the Southeast, Lindsay Williams, indicated that enforcement actions are typically focused on areas where criminal activity is perceived to be most prominent. "I think wherever the crime is, or the activity, is where the enforcement is," Williams noted, though he was unable to confirm specific locations of arrests.

Despite ongoing concerns, federal agencies including ICE and Homeland Security Investigations are reportedly working in collaboration with the FBI Mobile to conduct immigration-related operations. The FBI Mobile has confirmed that its tip line has been “very active” in providing assistance to federal enforcement efforts.

Originally reported by Patrick Darrington and Sarah in AL.Com