GULF SHORES, Ala. – Federal immigration authorities recently arrested 37 individuals during a raid at the construction site of the new Gulf Shores High School, one of several sites targeted in a broader enforcement sweep across Baldwin County.

The project, located along the Foley Beach Express, is being managed by Rabren General Contractors (RGC), which is also overseeing high-profile builds like the new Alabama State House. RGC confirmed it is cooperating with investigators but offered no further comment.

City and school officials jointly clarified that no municipal or district employees were present during the raid and emphasized that the general contractor maintains sole control of the site.

On June 30, Mayor Robert Craft addressed the incident directly in a social media post, stating, “The City of Gulf Shores supports the efforts of Homeland Security to enforce federal immigration laws and keep our community safe.”

He continued, “The action taken by the Homeland Security Task Force last week is part of an open investigation into private businesses under contract with the City. The City is neither a target nor involved in this investigation. Therefore, we have no access to any documents or awareness of any of the investigation’s facts beyond what is publicly reported.”

Craft added that the city had not been contacted by the task force and reiterated its willingness to cooperate: “The City will assist the federal government in any way possible if requested. Additionally, we do not expect this incident to affect the construction timeline or opening of the new Gulf Shores High School.”

Officials also responded to concerns reportedly raised by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the quality of construction performed by unvetted workers. “We are unaware of any evidence to support this claim,” the statement concluded.

The new Gulf Shores High School is a $137 million investment aimed at expanding educational infrastructure in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing coastal communities. Despite the immigration enforcement action, officials maintain that the project remains on schedule for a 2026 completion.

This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of the construction industry’s labor practices, particularly in states like Alabama where major public works projects are underway. The arrests have sparked broader conversations about subcontractor vetting, federal oversight, and how local governments can ensure compliance without disrupting progress on critical infrastructure.

While the long-term impact of the raid remains uncertain, the city has made it clear that it remains committed to transparency, safety, and timely project delivery.

Originally reported by Sherri Blevins in Yellowhammer News.