Florida Law Enforcement Arrests Nearly 800 in Immigration Crackdown

MIAMI, Florida – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida law enforcement agencies have arrested nearly 800 undocumented migrants during a four-day operation that began on April 26, 2025. Dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” the crackdown is described as a first-of-its-kind collaboration between state and federal agencies aimed at enforcing immigration laws.

According to ICE’s Miami office, the operation resulted in 780 arrests, including 275 individuals with final orders of removal from the U.S. Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, stated that the operation represents a significant escalation in cooperation with local law enforcement under the 287(g) agreement, which allows state and local agencies to assist in immigration enforcement.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation, calling it a model of cooperation between the state and the Department of Homeland Security. “Florida is leading the nation in active cooperation with the Trump administration for immigration enforcement and deportations,” DeSantis said.

The operation has raised concerns among immigrant advocacy groups. Thomas Kennedy, spokesperson for the Florida Immigration Coalition, criticized the crackdown, arguing that it targets families and creates fear in immigrant communities. “These police officers became police officers to be police officers, not immigration agents,” Kennedy remarked.

Among those arrested are individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including gang affiliations. The operation has been supported by multiple Florida agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which have signed collaboration agreements with ICE.

DeSantis’s administration has encouraged local officials to sign these agreements, warning that refusal could lead to removal from office. Earlier this month, the Fort Myers City Council initially voted against collaborating with ICE, only to reverse that decision after threats of legal repercussions from the Attorney General.

The Justice Department has been clear in its stance to investigate local officials who do not comply with federal immigration requests. A recent case involved Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who faced charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest.

As the operation continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact local immigrant communities and the broader political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.