The first phase of Operation Tidal Wave—a joint mission by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and various Florida departments and agencies—has resulted in more than 1,100 criminal illegal immigrants being arrested in one week.
That is the highest number of ICE arrests by any state over seven days.
The operation took place between April 21 and April 26.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announced the mission’s results on May 1, alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and several other immigration enforcement officers and officials.
Sheahan credited the mission’s success to the 287(g) agreements with Florida’s local law enforcement agencies, which allow them to help enforce immigration law.
More than 250 state and local law enforcement officers were activated to participate in the operation, as well as the National Guard.
“Operation Tidal Wave is truly a first of its kind operation, utilizing 287(g) resources, integrating with the state and local law enforcement to assist in the day-to-day ICE mission,” she said.
“While this may be the first 287(g) operation of its kind, thanks to the governor, it’s not going to be the last. President [Donald] Trump, Secretary [Kristi] Noem, and ICE are committed to these large-scale operations to be able to keep our communities safe.”
The operation comes a few months after DeSantis signed multiple pieces of legislation that, in part, made it a crime to enter the state illegally and required state and local law enforcement agencies to work with ICE on immigration matters.
Florida agencies specifically called out for their roles in the operation included the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Emergency Management, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
On the federal level, she credited the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their cooperation.
Joining Sheahan at the press conference, DeSantis recounted Florida’s work to crack down on illegal immigration during the Biden administration, from sending resources to the Texas border to banning sanctuary cities.
He also said those agreements with ICE do not stop at law enforcement agencies but extend to regulatory agencies such as the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
“This is the largest immigration enforcement operation that we’ve seen in quite some time throughout the entire country,” DeSantis said.
“Florida state agencies assisted federal authorities to arrest over 1100 illegal aliens across the state. That is a really significant impact, and we’re demonstrating why we’re going to continue to lead on this issue.”
Several examples of illegal immigrants captured during the operation were presented to the press conference attendees. Sheahan said the arrested included a Brazilian national with a history of aggravated assault, a Mexican national with a history of kidnapping, and Colombian nationals convicted of murder.
“The success of Operation Tidal Wave sends an unwavering message,” said Customs and Border Patrol’s chief patrol agent of the Miami sector, Jeff Dinise.
“Our collaborative efforts are making Florida an inhospitable environment for criminals to operate. We are committed to ensuring our Florida communities are safe and our nation is secure.”
