Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that a sweeping immigration enforcement operation has led to more than 1,120 arrests in just one week, marking the largest such effort in Florida’s history.
Speaking at the ICE-ERO Center in Miramar, DeSantis was joined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deputy Director Madison Sheahan, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise, and State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe. The officials praised the results of “Operation Tidal Wave,” a coordinated initiative involving federal, state, and local agencies.
The effort activated 287(g) officers and deployed over 250 Florida National Guard members to assist federal partners. The 287(g) program allows ICE to collaborate with local law enforcement in identifying and removing undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes.
“This is the largest immigration enforcement operation that we’ve seen in quite some time throughout the entire country,” said DeSantis. “All 67 counties in Florida have agreed to the 287(g) agreement with their sheriff departments, and we’re getting more police departments on board.”
Deputy Director Sheahan cited specific arrests, including a Brazilian national with a history of aggravated assault, a Mexican national with a kidnapping record, and Colombian nationals convicted of murder. She added that many of the 1,120 arrested were suspected of other criminal activity, including possible gang involvement.
Chief Patrol Agent Dinise highlighted the arrest of Alejandro Flores, a Mexican national and convicted felon, in Jupiter, Florida.
DeSantis dismissed due process concerns, emphasizing that Florida has tens of thousands of undocumented individuals with final deportation orders.
“The notion that somehow this is America and that therefore we’re supposed to have an open border? We’re not supposed to enforce immigration laws? We’re supposed to just sit on our hands? So let’s just be clear, who are you fighting for? We’re fighting for the citizens of Florida,” said Gov. DeSantis.
Sheahan echoed a strict stance: “If you’re in this country illegally, you are a criminal. You will be deported.”
With nearly 48,000 people currently in ICE detention and a backlog of over 3.6 million immigration court cases nationwide, Keefe said the effort was just the beginning. “What has happened here this past week…is a warm-up,” he said. “What matters now is how we finalize our plan for a constant, persistent effort.”
Officials say additional details about the arrests will be shared as investigations continue.
