BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — Federal immigration authorities arrested 11 people Wednesday morning during a surprise raid at an elementary school construction site in Baldwin County, deepening concerns about labor oversight in Alabama’s booming school construction market.

The raid, carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, targeted workers at the active construction zone for a new elementary school. Local officials confirmed the sweep happened during morning hours while crews were on-site.

Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler said the district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and emphasized that its construction contracts require strict adherence to all federal laws.

“Our contracts with our construction projects require compliance with federal law. At this time, we have no indication of any wrongdoing,” Tyler said in a statement Wednesday.

The superintendent did not name the contractor or subcontractors involved in the project. The district has not released the name of the school where the raid took place, citing an ongoing federal investigation.

Construction Oversight Under Scrutiny

The raid has sparked fresh questions about how local districts and general contractors vet and monitor subcontracted labor in Alabama’s busy construction sector. Baldwin County, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, has invested heavily in new schools to keep up with its rising student population.

Many large school builds involve multiple layers of subcontractors, often making immigration and employment verification more complex. It remains unclear whether the arrested workers were employed directly by the main contractor or by a subcontracted firm.

Community Reacts

Parents in the area say they were surprised to hear about the federal operation at a site meant to serve local children.

“I think everyone wants the job done right, but it’s got to be done legally,” said Laura Whitaker, a parent whose child will attend the new school once completed. “I hope the district really double-checks who’s coming onto these job sites.”

District Promises Full Cooperation

Baldwin County Schools said it will support any necessary follow-up steps to ensure its contractors remain in compliance with federal employment and immigration law.

“We have no indication of any wrongdoing,” Tyler reiterated. “We will continue to work with the proper authorities as this matter moves forward.”

What Happens Next

As of Wednesday evening, ICE had not released additional details about the nationalities of those arrested or whether any formal charges have been filed. The construction site remains active while federal agents continue their investigation.

The new elementary school project, part of a broader capital improvements plan, is still on track to open next year, according to the district.

📍 Location: Baldwin County, Alabama
🗓️ When: Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025

Originally reported by Sarah Whites-Koditschek in AL. Com.