Florida Immigration Sweep Arrests Over 1,100 in Record Operation

Florida, in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and multiple local and state agencies, carried out Operation Tidal Wave, resulting in the arrest of over 1,100 individuals in a six-day immigration sweep—the largest such operation in Florida to date. The majority of those arrested had criminal records or existing deportation orders, and officials highlighted the removal of several violent offenders. State and federal authorities described the operation as a model for future joint immigration enforcement efforts and indicated plans to replicate it in other states. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized Florida's commitment to assisting federal deportation priorities and proposed expanding detention facilities and using National Guard legal personnel as immigration judges. The operation relied on 287(g) agreements, which enable local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws, and involved agencies such as the Florida National Guard, Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Department of Corrections. While officials praised the collaboration and scale of the effort, civil rights groups have criticized the sweep as harmful to immigrant communities.