App tracks ICE sightings as DeSantis uses FHP to ramp up immigration enforcement

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s an app that lets people track immigration and customs enforcement sightings in their communities.

Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new enforcement division with the Florida Highway Patrol.

The governor praised the agency Friday for the way its tackled illegal immigration.

“There’s no agency in the country that’s done more than they have,” DeSantis said.

On X, the governor shared statistics about highway enforcement, saying more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested since March 2025. More than 1,000 traffic stops led to immigration apprehensions. And more than 160 traffic crashes involved the arrests of undocumented immigrants.

A new unit with FHP will focus on locating and apprehending undocumented immigrants in a partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.

“Now they’re able to do that and work seamlessly with the federal government so it’s really positive to have that type of relationship,” DeSantis said.

Ana Lamb is an advocate for the immigrant community.

“What Governor DeSantis was saying is like escalating to another level, when they haven’t fixed the bottom,” Lamb said. “There is a concern there because there is a lot of racial profiling.”

She said something is needed to help protect all immigrants afraid of being picked up by ICE.

Some people are using “Coqui,” a live map-based community alert app. People can bookmark things like ICE and police sightings. The posts are anonymous and rely on community reports.

“We need to see if that is working for people,” Lamb said. “If we can manage and use this correctly and accurate, if possible, that will be a lot of help.”

The Department of Homeland Security also has an app where you can voluntarily self-deport. Lamb said every situation is different, so she advises people to consult with a lawyer before making that decision.