More than 1,100 illegal immigrants were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida during Operation Tidal Wave. This initiative was highlighted as the largest number of arrests ever conducted by a single state in a week, according to a high-ranking official.
The recent enforcement action involved apprehending individuals such as a “Brazilian national with a record of aggravated assault,” a Mexican national known for kidnapping, and Colombian nationals previously convicted of murder, as per ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan.
Sheahan emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Florida, stating, “This operation marks a significant achievement made possible through the partnership with the state. Together, we successfully carried out over 1,100 apprehensions, eliminating numerous violent gang members from the local communities. Operation Tidal Wave stands out as a pioneering endeavor, leveraging 287(g) resources and coordinating closely with state and local law enforcement to support ICE’s daily mission.”
ICE describes the 287(g) program as one that allows local law enforcement agencies to “enforce certain aspects of U.S. immigration law.”
Operation Tidal Wave unfolded in Florida last week, according to ICE. (ICE)
“Florida state agencies assisted federal authorities, to arrest over 1,100 illegal aliens across the state. That is a really significant impact,” the Republican continued. “And we’re demonstrating why we’re going to continue to lead on this issue. And you see some of the people that were arrested, these are people that should have never been in our country. Some of these people have been previously deported.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference on immigration enforcement at Homestead Air Force Base, on Feb. 26, in Homestead, Florida. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
“It sends the message going forward, United States of America is serious about enforcing its immigration laws,” DeSantis also said. “So whereas under the previous president, you could pay coyotes and come to the border knowing that you’d be home free once you got there, there’s a new sheriff in town – that is not going to be permitted.”
