It was a shameful secret in Florida: A state whose leaders demonized undocumented migrants had built countless miles of roadways and bridges on the backs of illegal immigrant laborers.
And with tragic consequences.
The Tampa Bay Times meticulously detailed how road-building giant Archer Western exploited these workers and put them at risk. The reporting culminated in a powerful story, exposing how the state of Florida repeatedly contracted with a company whose workers died at an alarming rate, even after officials learned of some deaths.
The reporters hunted down thousands of pages of records from agencies throughout Florida and the country. They compared Archer Western’s safety record to industry peers — something no other news outlet had done. What they discovered was a spate of deaths that left construction safety experts aghast.
When we published our story in October 2025, it challenged narratives about undocumented immigrants and their place in our society.
Follow up coverage:
Tampa congresswoman calls for investigation into deadly Florida road company
Deadly Florida road company knew workers were undocumented, ex-employee alleges
Florida construction worker dies on site of company Times investigated
Florida eyes penalties for employers of undocumented migrants hurt on the job
Florida politicians call for action after Times report on deadly road contractor
Federal officials end investigation into deadly Florida contractor
