Desantis: Largest Immigration Operation in Florida History Nets 1,120 Arrests

MIRAMAR — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced during a press conference in Miramar that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with law enforcement partners from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the state of Florida, led a first-of-its-kind statewide operation April 21 to April 26 that netted 1,120 criminal illegal alien arrests — the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE’s history.

Sixty-three percent of those arrested had existing criminal arrests or convictions, according to a release from ICE.

Arrests included 378 criminal illegal aliens with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge.

Officers arrested various violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice, and those who pose significant public safety threats.

Arrests include members of several different notoriously violent foreign terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (sur-13), and 18th Street Gang.

The countries of origin of those arrested include the following:

• 437 from Guatemala
• 280 from Mexico
• 153 from Honduras
• 48 from Venezuela
• 24 from El Salvador
• 178 from elsewhere

Those arrested who have final orders of removal or returned to the United States illegally after being deported are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody awaiting due process before an immigration judge or pending travel arrangements for removal.

The state of Florida leads the nation with 287(g) partnerships. This force-multiplying program is named for Section 287(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes ICE to delegate specified immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officials under the agency’s direction and supervision.

“I’ve insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Florida is proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts. Thank you to DHS, ICE, CBP, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida National Guard, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and everyone involved for your contributions to this effort.”