ICE Operation in Tallahassee

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with state and local agencies in Florida, carried out Operation "Tidal Wave," resulting in the detention of 1,120 individuals in irregular immigration status over a six-day period.

This operation, the largest in Florida's history under the 287(g) program, allowed local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents. All sheriff's offices from the state's 67 counties participated, along with over 250 officers and members of the National Guard.

Of those arrested, approximately 63% had criminal records, and 378 had final deportation orders or had illegally re-entered the country after a prior removal. Among the detainees were members of criminal organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Sureños (Sur-13), and the 18th Street gang.

The arrests were concentrated in cities including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Tallahassee. In the latter, 12 arrests were reported in a joint operation between the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons emphasized that this operation represents a new model of collaboration between federal and local agencies to enhance public safety. However, immigrant rights organizations have expressed concern about possible collateral arrests and the separation of families.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation as a significant achievement in the enforcement of immigration laws, highlighting the state’s active cooperation with federal authorities.