Key Takeaways
• ICE arrested 780 people in Florida during Operation Tidal Wave, a four-day enforcement action.
• 275 of those arrested had final removal orders; others were linked to gangs or serious crimes.
• Operation relied on 287(g) partnerships, allowing local police to conduct immigration enforcement with ICE.
In a sweeping effort to step up immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested close to 800 people in Florida 🇺🇸 as part of “Operation Tidal Wave,” a four-day series of actions carried out with local and state law enforcement agencies. Operation Tidal Wave, described by officials as the first operation of this scale in the state, shows a new depth of cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities when it comes to immigration enforcement.
This article will break down what happened in Florida 🇺🇸 during this operation, why it matters for people across the state and the whole country, and what it could mean for the future of immigration actions in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Is Operation Tidal Wave?
Operation Tidal Wave is the name ICE gave to a set of enforcement activities across Florida 🇺🇸. These actions were not carried out by ICE alone. Instead, ICE teamed up with officers from agencies all over the state—including state troopers, police departments, county sheriffs, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This team approach meant that a large number of officers were involved, covering a wide area and coordinating their efforts more closely than ever before.
The operation was notable for using ICE’s 287(g) authority, a program that allows certain state and local police officers to perform some ICE duties. Under 287(g), local officers get special training to check a person’s immigration status or start removal (deportation) procedures if the person is found to be in the country illegally. Officials, including Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, called this a “force multiplier.” In other words, more officers working together gave ICE a much bigger reach in a short period.
Key Details from Operation Tidal Wave in Florida 🇺🇸
The Numbers
- ICE reports that 780 people were arrested during the four-day operation.
- These arrests took place throughout Florida 🇺🇸, showing the wide scale of the action.
- The arrests were not random. ICE said that of the 780 people:
- 275 already had what is known as a “final order of removal.” This means a judge had already decided that these people should be removed from the United States 🇺🇸, so ICE could deport them without delay.
- Several arrestees were wanted for crimes or considered threats to public safety.
The People Arrested
Officials shared that among the 780 arrested:
– Some had been convicted of murder in Colombia 🇨🇴.
– Some were believed to be members of dangerous gangs such as MS-13 and 18th Street.
– There was a Russian 🇷🇺 national wanted for manslaughter through an Interpol Red Notice (a type of global police alert).
– Suspected terrorists, people who had re-entered the United States 🇺🇸 after being convicted of serious crimes, and others accused of violence or threats were also picked up during the raids.
This focus on public safety threats, including people with links to gangs or serious crimes, was a major point that ICE leaders emphasized. They said that the operation was not just about immigration status, but was also about removing threats to communities.
Agencies and Coordination
In addition to ICE’s Miami field office, law enforcement groups included the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, state police, sheriffs from different counties, and local police departments. This wide team, working together, made it possible to conduct checks and make arrests in many areas at the same time.
These joint actions depended on ICE’s 287(g) program. This program, which lets local or state authorities work closely with ICE, has seen fast growth in recent years. Since President Trump’s administration began, there has been a 371% jump in new 287(g) agreements, going from a much smaller number to over 428 partnerships all across the country. This expansion means that in many states, local police can also act as part of the immigration system.
To learn more about Section 287(g) and how it allows ICE to work with local officers, you can read the official explanation provided by ICE.
Why Florida 🇺🇸?
Operation Tidal Wave was carried out in Florida 🇺🇸, but officials say this state is just the beginning. Florida 🇺🇸 is the third most populous state in the United States 🇺🇸 and has long been an entry point for migrants from Latin America and elsewhere. The state also has a number of 287(g) partnerships in place, making it a good testing ground for this type of operation.
ICE leaders believe that by working with local officers in places like Florida 🇺🇸, they are able to reach more people and act more quickly. They say this approach improves community safety and makes the best use of resources.
The Impact: Who Is Affected?
Immigrants in Florida 🇺🇸
For immigrants in Florida 🇺🇸, especially those without legal status, operations like this mean a greater risk of arrest and removal. Even people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years may find that their daily activities, such as driving or having contact with police for even small issues, could now place them at risk.
This change can make some communities feel nervous or worried about contacting police, even if they are the victims of crime or need help. ICE leaders, however, have stressed that their main targets are people who are considered public safety threats or who already have deportation orders.
Employers and Local Communities
Large operations such as Operation Tidal Wave also affect businesses, schools, and neighborhoods. Employers in industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality may find themselves losing workers, especially if many employees are undocumented.
For local governments, these new joint actions mean that their own police or deputies are more directly involved in federal enforcement. Some local officials support this, saying it makes communities safer. Others have raised concerns that it might erode trust between police and immigrant communities.
Families
Many of the people arrested have families living in the United States 🇺🇸. These family members, including children, may suddenly face the loss of a loved one due to arrest and deportation. This can create hardships for children, stress for entire families, and emotional strain in close-knit neighborhoods.
Official Statements and Justification
During and after the operation, ICE leaders repeatedly described Operation Tidal Wave as a success, highlighting the teamwork and the removal of individuals they considered dangerous.
Todd Lyons, the Acting ICE Director, said Operation Tidal Wave was “the first of its kind.” He praised the cooperation between federal, state, county, and local agencies. Lyons and other ICE leaders said that these joint actions are “making communities safer,” pointing to arrests of people with past convictions or suspected connections to gangs and other serious crimes.
Madison Sheahan, ICE’s Deputy Director, stated that the operation’s model would continue in Florida 🇺🇸 and would also be used across other states, even those that do not border other countries directly. She explained that this kind of partnership would soon expand to Texas 🇺🇸, Virginia 🇺🇸, and other states not traditionally viewed as “border states.”
Growing Use of 287(g): What Does History Tell Us?
The 287(g) program began in the 1990s, but its use has grown much more since President Trump took office. ICE and its partners now have over 428 active agreements in place, up 371% according to ICE officials. This means local and state officers in many different parts of the United States 🇺🇸 can carry out immigration checks and arrests.
Critics of 287(g) argue that it can sometimes lead to profiling, where officers might unfairly target people based on appearance or language. Supporters counter that 287(g) helps remove people with criminal records or ties to dangerous groups, stopping crimes before they happen.
Reaction and Controversy
Operation Tidal Wave received praise from some officials who said it set a new standard for cooperation. Others, including some immigrant advocates, questioned whether such large-scale raids are the best way to keep communities safe, pointing out the toll on families and those not accused of any crime.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while ICE and Florida 🇺🇸 law enforcement see these operations as necessary, there are ongoing debates about fairness and effectiveness. These debates focus on how to strike a balance between public safety and the rights and well-being of immigrants and their families.
Some local groups fear that these operations discourage immigrants from cooperating with law enforcement, even if they are the victims or witnesses of crime. There are also concerns that parents may be separated from children, leaving families in crisis.
The Future: Expansion to Other States
ICE’s leaders have made clear that they plan to use the Operation Tidal Wave approach elsewhere. Other states, including Texas 🇺🇸 and Virginia 🇺🇸, have already started boosting their cooperation with ICE under 287(g). The agency is looking at both border and non-border states to see where these actions might work next.
For now, ICE says it will keep working with as many local agencies as possible, aiming to maximize its reach and make what they describe as “communities safer.”
What Should You Know If You Live in Florida 🇺🇸 or Similar States?
For people living in Florida 🇺🇸 or any state with active 287(g) partnerships, it’s important to know:
– State and local police may now check your immigration status if you’re stopped or arrested, even for minor violations.
– Having a final order of removal means ICE can move you quickly toward deportation.
– Being associated with, or suspected of being part of, a gang or having any serious criminal conviction can draw special attention from ICE and local law enforcement working together.
– These operations can happen statewide and are not limited to areas near the border.
For more information and legal guidance about 287(g) and ICE actions, you can check the official ICE partnerships resource page.
Operation Tidal Wave: Key Points Summed Up
To help you remember the most important facts, here’s a short summary:
- Operation Tidal Wave led to the arrest of around 780 people over four days across Florida 🇺🇸.
- The operation involved ICE, the Miami field office, state troopers, local police, sheriffs, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Authorities used section 287(g) to deputize local and state officers as part of the immigration system.
- Most people arrested had final removal orders or were considered threats to community safety due to criminal histories.
- ICE leaders plan to expand this model into more states, including Texas 🇺🇸 and Virginia 🇺🇸, moving beyond just border regions.
- The growth of 287(g) partnerships under President Trump’s administration means closer collaboration between local police and federal immigration agencies in many parts of the United States 🇺🇸.
Looking Ahead
Operation Tidal Wave signals a shift in how immigration enforcement is carried out in the United States 🇺🇸. With more partnerships under 287(g), ICE can bring in local and state officers to help identify, arrest, and remove people who are in the country without legal permission. This approach increases the scale and speed of operations and likely means more joint actions in the future.
For families, workers, and communities in places like Florida 🇺🇸, this new era creates both new risks and new questions. Many people will continue to watch as states and the federal government work together in more places across the country.
Whether you’re someone who may be directly impacted, a concerned family member, or just a member of the public trying to stay informed, it will be important to keep up with how these changes affect your rights, your local community, or your workplace. And as ICE continues to push forward with plans like Operation Tidal Wave, expect more discussion, debate, and stories from people and organizations across the country.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing federal laws regarding immigration and customs.
287(g) Program → An agreement allowing local and state police to act under ICE’s authority for certain immigration enforcement duties.
Final Order of Removal → A legal decision requiring a person to leave the U.S. after an immigration judge rules against their case.
Interpol Red Notice → International request to locate and arrest a person wanted for serious crimes, pending extradition.
Operation Tidal Wave → A coordinated ICE-led operation in Florida, targeting immigrants with removal orders or criminal backgrounds over four days.
This Article in a Nutshell
Operation Tidal Wave marked a major shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, with ICE and Florida police arresting 780 people in four days. Focusing on those with removal orders and public safety risks, the operation highlights growing collaboration under 287(g) between ICE and local law enforcement. Expansion to other states is planned.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Florida stops immigration arrests after judge halts new immigration law
• Florida Attorney General faces legal battles over new state immigration law
• Florida enforces Senate Bill 1718, targeting undocumented immigrant drivers
• Florida takes lead on Trump-era immigration measures under DeSantis
• Bahamas emerges as key route for illegal immigration to Florida
