Roughly two hours after an armored vehicle and law enforcement in SWAT-like attire were photographed at The Home Depot on Mobile Highway, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced they are conducting multiple operations around Pensacola on Nov. 19.
In the release, the department said they are conducting multiple search warrants in the Pensacola area in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies.
“Members of the public may notice an increased law enforcement presence, including tactical and specialized vehicles,” the release said. “There is no threat to public safety at this time.”
The release came after numerous social media accounts alleged to have witnessed the event at The Home Depot and said law enforcement had arrested multiple people.
The FDLE did not specify the nature of their operations or if they were the agency photographed at The Home Depot. The News Journal reached out to the FDLE for more information regarding the warrants but did not immediately receive a response.
While there was no visual indications that ICE agents were part of the operation, the FDLE has been an active partner in the recent uptick in immigration-related incidents as ICE has conducted raids within the county.
ICE, in conjunction with Florida Highway Patrol, raided Pensacola landscaping business Outerspaces Landscapes in October, the first Pensacola raid after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced FHP would enforce immigration laws alongside federal agencies like ICE.
The FDLE said the operations are a part of an investigation that remains open and ongoing.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: FDLE announces Pensacola-wide operation after armored vehicle, agents seen at Home Depot
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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