Florida Highway Patrol Begins Immigration Arrests, Detains 1,100+

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers now have the authority to detain undocumented immigrants through 287(g) agreements with ICE, following legislation passed earlier this year. Over 100 FHP troopers were sworn in with this special authority and took part in recent operations, including a statewide crackdown called "Operation Tidal Wave," which resulted in the arrest of more than 1,100 undocumented immigrants, some alleged to be gang members. A recent enforcement operation in Tampa led to the apprehension of 30 undocumented immigrants in just over an hour, with some fleeing traffic stops and being charged with additional crimes. State officials described these enforcement efforts as part of a broader collaboration between Florida law enforcement and federal authorities, marking a new phase in immigration enforcement within the state. Larry Keefe, executive director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, characterized Florida as a proactive partner in these operations, suggesting increased local involvement in immigration arrests will become the norm. The FHP also provided exclusive media access to report on these activities, highlighting the state's intensified focus on immigration enforcement.