Blueprint for the Nation: Florida’s Immigration Operation Breaks Records
In Brief:
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Operation Tidal Wave has resulted in more than 10,400 arrests statewide.
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The program operates under 287(g) agreements, which allow state officers to assist ICE.
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Officials say the initiative prioritizes individuals with serious criminal records.
SANDERSON, Fla. — Florida’s coordinated immigration enforcement effort has surpassed a major milestone, with more than 10,000 arrests made under Operation Tidal Wave, a joint initiative between state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the milestone Monday, highlighting what state leaders describe as the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE history. Since launching eight months ago, the program has led to the arrest of more than 10,400 individuals identified as being in the country illegally, many of whom officials say had serious criminal convictions or final deportation orders.
Operation Tidal Wave operates under 287(g) agreements, allowing Florida law enforcement officers to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement functions traditionally reserved for ICE. The initiative began in April 2025 and represents the first statewide program of its kind in the nation.
“This is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history, and we’re proud that it will continue here in Florida,” DeSantis said, emphasizing the state’s ongoing partnership with federal authorities.
State officials say the operation prioritizes individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, with Attorney General James Uthmeier noting that many of those arrested were accused of offenses involving children or public safety threats. Uthmeier added that state prosecutors intend to pursue significant prison sentences before deportation proceedings begin.
Multiple state agencies have supported the operation, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. County sheriff’s offices across Florida also assisted in coordinated enforcement efforts.
Federal partners involved in the operation include ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, DEA, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Officials report that individuals arrested under Operation Tidal Wave came from more than a dozen countries, with the largest numbers originating from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.
State leaders say the program has become a national model for state-federal cooperation, reinforcing Florida’s stance on immigration enforcement and public safety.
- 3,435 from Guatemala
- 3,331 from Mexico
- 1,353 from Honduras
- 312 from El Salvador
- 312 from Venezuela
- 1,249 from elsewhere
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