U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, conducted a statewide operation in Florida from April 21 to April 26. This operation resulted in the arrest of 1,120 criminal illegal aliens, marking the largest number of arrests in a single state within a week in ICE’s history. Among those arrested, 63% had prior criminal arrests or convictions.
The operation led to the detention of 378 individuals with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge. Arrested individuals included violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice, and others deemed threats to public safety. Among those apprehended were members of violent foreign gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Sureños (sur-13), and 18th Street Gang.
An analysis of the arrestees revealed their countries of origin as follows: 437 from Guatemala, 280 from Mexico, 153 from Honduras, 48 from Venezuela, 24 from El Salvador, with the remaining 178 from other countries.
Individuals with final orders of removal or those re-entering the U.S. illegally after deportation are subject to immediate removal. The rest are under the custody of ICE, awaiting due process or travel arrangements for removal.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan reviewed the operation as a collaborative effort, stating, “Last week’s operational success of arresting more than 1,100 criminal illegal aliens was truly a collaborative whole-of-government effort by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in Florida.”
Florida’s government was a key partner in the operation, utilizing its extensive network of 287(g) partnerships, which allow ICE to delegate immigration enforcement functions to state and local officials. Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the operation: “I’ve insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment.”
Miami Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation: “Dangerous criminals have no place in our country. We will apply CBP’s collective intelligence and operational capabilities to target those here illegally who endanger our citizens and the American way of life.”
The operation saw cooperation among federal, state, and local partners, including ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Florida’s government and various county sheriff’s offices also significantly contributed to the efforts.
Several notable arrests were made during the operation, including gang members and individuals with multiple criminal offenses. Names and details of these arrests were provided, illustrating the variety of charges and crimes committed by those apprehended.
ICE encourages the public to report crimes and suspicious activities via phone or online.
