Federal and local law enforcement joined forces in Florida this past week, detaining over 1,100 people accused of being illegal immigrants, with the government saying the majority had criminal arrests or convictions.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said the operation in the Sunshine State was its biggest week in its history in a single state, adding that transnational criminal gang members were among the arrested.
Why It Matters
Florida has seen near statewide cooperation between federal immigration enforcement and local police and sheriff departments, as the Trump administration looks to utilize as many resources as it can for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants, a measure President Donald Trump promised upon his return to the White House.
What To Know
ICE said Thursday that 1,120 people were arrested in the weeklong operation, with the assistance of the state of Florida, and 13 local sheriff’s departments, alongside other federal agencies like the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Among those arrested were 378 immigrants with final orders of removal, ICE said. Others were known violent offenders, according to ICE, including members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua (TDA) and other gangs including Barrio Azteca and the 18th Street Gang.
The agency highlighted some specific cases of those who had been removed from the U.S. at least once before, including Venezuelan Ciro Ramon Castaneda Perez, who ICE says is a member of TDA, and Guatemalan Rafael Juarez Cabrera, an alleged MS-13 member.
ICE said that those with orders of removal already in place would be deported as soon as possible, while insisting that due process would be granted to the rest.
Florida is taking a leading role in signing up to assist with immigration enforcement under the 287(g) program, which enables law enforcement agencies to question and arrest people suspected of violating immigration law. Around 130 Florida agencies have signed up in the state, while others across the country are also opting in.
Some immigration advocacy groups have raised concerns about 287(g), with the Florida Immigrant Coalition telling Newsweek last week that many local officers are not trained to work in this area.
What People Are Saying
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, in a press release: “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.”
Florida Immigration Coalition, in its statement to Newsweek last week: “This is a rush to meet an arbitrary number, but behind those numbers are fathers, mothers, siblings, friends, and neighbors; hard-working members of our communities who pay taxes and contribute to our state.”
Miami Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise, in a press release: “Collaborative enforcement efforts such as Operation Tidal Wave, with our DHS and state of Florida law enforcement partners, leverages each of our unique authorities to protect against threats. We look forward to continuing the vital partnership with the State of Florida as we all work toward our shared goal of keeping our communities safe and our nation secure.”
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan, in a press release: “Every day, our officers take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S. We are united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and enhance public safety for all Americans.”
What’s Next
As more local agencies sign up for 287(g) powers, it is likely more joint operations like the one in Florida will take place. The Trump administration is pushing to heighten enforcement efforts to deliver on promises of deporting millions of those in the country illegally.
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