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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -

The NBC2 Investigators uncovered an unintended consequence because of a crackdown on illegal immigration crimes are going unreported, putting people across Southwest Florida in potential danger.

Some immigrants in Collier County claim they can no longer call 911 because they're worried the call will lead to questions about their immigration status.

I know people who have been raped and don't call the police because they are scared because they are undocumented, DREAMer Sophia said. It definitely causes a lot of identity issues. A lot of people make you feel like you aren't from here, but this is all you know."

Sophia's parents brought her to the United States when she was four. She said the biggest thing that has changed over the last few months is fear.

They are terrified of being deported. They are terrified of a lot of things, Sophia said. "People are scared to talk to the police, and that will create more crime."

People around the area said this happens daily in places like Immokalee, Golden Gate City, and Naples Manor. But attorneys argue that there's no need to be worried because victims are protected in these types of cases.

Whether you're here legally or not," said attorney Jeff Van Zandt, "If you are the victim of a crime, that's why the sheriff's do their job, and they do a good job of it."

Van Zandt said the number of people participating in court cases is dwindling. Immigrants are afraid of taking part in the justice center.

It just is a shame that they are even afraid to go and take part in the justice system that is there to protect them in the first place."

Collier County is one of only two agencies in Florida that participates in ICEs 287(g) program. The program allows trained local deputies to act as immigration agents. If a deputy thinks someone in jail is here illegally, they can send them to ICE for deportation.

With the ICE agreement, it's definitely not making it any easier for people to come out and talk, Sophia said.

The sheriffs office insists deputies wont target victims or witnesses of crimes.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk would not sit down for an interview, but sent a statement saying in part, "we conduct ongoing community engagement efforts to reassure witnesses and victims of crime that they will not be targeted by law enforcement based on their immigration status."

Sophia said that reassurance isn't working.

I think that if Collier County really wanted to help keep our streets safe, they wouldn't create more insecurity, Sophia said.

A visa called a U-visa is available to immigrants who are victims of certain crimes and may be able to help law enforcement in the investigation of that crime.

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Crimes going unreported as illegal immigrants fear deportation - NBC2 News