safety
Lake Worth business owner arrested in ICE operation; family, community push back on agency's claims
By Michael Hoffman at WPTV
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
ICE says Jacob Zapeta Castro is a criminal alien who has been deported four times. His family and coworkers call him a hardworking, tax-paying man with a valid work permit.
Key takeaway His family and coworkers call him a hardworking, tax-paying man with a valid work permit.
Why this matters in The Palm Beach
The arrest of Jacob Zapeta Castro in Lake Worth raises questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and community stability in Palm Beach County. Castro's family and coworkers describe him as a contributing member of society, with a valid work permit and a history of paying taxes. This contrasts sharply with ICE's portrayal of him as a criminal alien. As the county's immigrant communities watch this case unfold, they may be wondering about the criteria used to determine who is a priority for deportation. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, which cooperates with federal immigration authorities, will likely face scrutiny over its role in the operation. Residents of cities like Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, where immigrant-owned businesses are a vital part of the local economy, will be paying close attention to how this case affects their neighborhoods and the people who live and work there.
About this story
Original reporting by WPTV . The Palm Beach surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WPTV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: WPTV ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ICE says Jacob Zapeta Castro is a criminal alien who has been deported four times. His family and coworkers call him a hardworking, tax-paying man with a valid work permit.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by WPTV and curated for The Palm Beach readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Hoffman at WPTV. To learn more about how The Palm Beach selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Palm Beach, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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