Florida cracks down on criminal illegal aliens with a massive operation, more than 1,100 people arrested
Florida – Federal and state law enforcement agencies worked together in a combined effort to carry out Florida’s largest-ever immigration enforcement operation which led to the arrest of 1,120 criminal illegal aliens in a single week. Taking place from April 21 to April 26, this massive sweep called Operation Tidal Wave highlighted the combined power and coordination of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and several Florida state and local law enforcement allies.
Remarkably, the operation resulted in the arrest of many dangerous individuals; officials confirmed that 63% of those detained had prior criminal records or ongoing charges. Among the detainees were 378 people who already had immigration courts issued final orders of deportation. Officers gave priority to those posing significant risks to public safety, including violent criminals, sexual predators, gang members, and foreign fugitives wanted for serious crimes.
The detainees were linked to several notoriously violent gangs and terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (Sur-13), and the 18th Street Gang. This emphasizes the need of the operation not only for immigration enforcement but also for more general public safety, hence affecting organized crime groups in the state.
Breaking down the nationalities of individuals arrested, Guatemalans made up the largest group with 437 inmates, followed by 280 from Mexico, 153 from Honduras, 48 from Venezuela, and 24 from El Salvador. The other 178 came from several other nations, underlining the significant scope of the operation.
Those detained who had previously been ordered deportation or unlawfully re-entered the country following deportation are now subject to instant removal. Others will stay in ICE detention pending immigration hearings or travel arrangements for their return finalization.
Deputy Director Madison Sheahan of ICE emphasized the collaboration’s magnitude and importance.
“Every day, our officers take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S. We are united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and enhance public safety for all Americans,” Sheahan said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed fantastic support for the initiative, underlining Florida’s major part in immigration enforcement via its active involvement in the federal 287(g) program. DeSantis commended the collaborative attitude of all agencies engaged, highlighting Florida’s determination to implement immigration laws and protect borders in line with federal administration goals.
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Federal resources from ICE Homeland Security Investigations, CBP, FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service all contributed to the collaboration. At the state and municipal level, significant assistance came from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Highway Patrol, Fish and Wildlife Commission, National Guard, and Emergency Management Division.
Furthermore, many sheriff’s offices around the state—including Alachua, Brevard, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, St. John’s, Sumter, and Volusia counties—played an important role in ICE’s enforcement activities, therefore highlighting Florida’s thorough, multi-tiered approach to immigration enforcement.
Operation Tidal Wave therefore stands out as a historic case of effective inter-agency cooperation, sending a strong message regarding Florida’s forceful attitude on immigration enforcement and public safety.
