Authorities in Hawaii have detained 44 individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants during early morning raids on Kaua’i. The operation involved federal immigration agents executing six search warrants at residences and one business, with detainees transported to a federal detention center on Oahu. Among those arrested were two people allegedly associated with the foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan group targeted by the Trump administration.
Kaua’i County Council member Fern Holland described the raids, which took place in Kapa’a, Kalaheo, and Lihu’e. She reported hearing loudspeaker announcements in both English and Spanish as agents executed warrants. “They came in really loud, basically saying, ‘you know, we have a federal warrant, come out with your hands up,’” Holland said. The operation involved multiple agencies, though no restaurants were targeted, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.
The raids resulted in 44 arrests, with officials confirming the involvement of TdA affiliates. Community leaders emphasized the coordinated nature of the enforcement action.