In a sweeping six-day initiative dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” Florida law enforcement, in collaboration with federal agencies, detained more than 1,100 individuals accused of being in the U.S. illegally. This marks the most extensive immigration enforcement action in the state’s history.

Governor Ron DeSantis and officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the operation’s results at a press conference in Miramar, Florida. The multi-agency effort involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies across all 67 Florida counties.

“We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the state’s commitment to immigration enforcement.

Targeted Enforcement and Arrests

1,120 individuals arrested, 378 were identified as having criminal convictions or final deportation orders. Authorities highlighted the apprehension of alleged gang members from organizations such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The majority of those detained hailed from Guatemala (437 individuals) and Mexico (280 individuals).

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan described the operation as a “task force model” focusing on street-level enforcement. This approach allows officers to conduct arrests in the community, rather than solely relying on jail-based custody transfers.

Expansion of State-Federal Cooperation

Florida’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement is bolstered by its participation in the 287(g) program, which enables state and local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision. As of early 2025, ICE has established 517 such agreements across 39 states, with Florida leading in participation.

Legislative Backing and Additional Measures

Florida’s legislative actions have further strengthened its immigration enforcement capabilities. Senate Bill 1808, signed into law by DeSantis in June 2022, mandates that state law enforcement agencies with county detention facilities cooperate with ICE. The bill also penalizes contractors transporting undocumented immigrants into Florida by making them ineligible for state contracts.

Community Impact and Criticism

Civil rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups have raised concerns about the operation’s transparency and potential for racial profiling. The Florida Immigrant Coalition criticized the lack of detailed information about the detainees and the possibility of detaining individuals with no criminal history, including those seeking asylum or holding valid work permits.

Looking Ahead

Governor DeSantis has indicated that Florida will continue to expand its role in federal immigration enforcement. Plans include establishing additional detention centers and utilizing National Guard judge advocates as immigration judges to expedite deportation proceedings.