FL Targets Unlawful Immigration By Arresting 1,100 In Series Of Raids

FLORIDA — Federal authorities are continuing raids that are pushing thousands of undocumented immigrants out of Florida.

More than 1,100 migrants were recently arrested throughout Florida in what the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency called "largest joint immigration operation" in the state's history.

ICE on Thursday shared new details into "Operation Tidal Wave," indicating where the arrests happened in Florida.

Initially reporting nearly 800 people were arrested last week when Miami officers partnered with ICE on the raids, the federal agency now says 1,120 undocumented immigrants were arrested. The five-day effort ended Saturday.

“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," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a news release.

“Florida is proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts."

Of those arrested, 63 percent of them had existing criminal arrests or convictions, ICE said. They added 378 of the migrants were faced with final orders of removal that were issued by an immigration judge.

ICE claimed to arrest "various violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice and those who pose significant public safety threats." The federal agency said members of the MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (sur-13) and 18th Street Gang organizations were arrested.

According to ICE, DeSantis directed these agencies to assist with the raids:

• Alachua County
• Baker County
• Brandford County
• Brevard County
• Clay County
• Hernando County
• Hillsborough County
• Indian River County
• Orange County
• Pinellas County
• St. John’s County
• Sumter County
• Volusia County

The countries of origin of those arrested include:

• 437 from Guatemala
• 280 from Mexico
• 153 from Honduras
• 48 from Venezuela
• 24 from El Salvador
• 178 from elsewhere

The raids have been a culmination of the Trump administration's efforts to massively deport undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and come on the brink of Florida's support for the administration's endeavors.

In February, Gov. DeSantis signed legislation that required the death penalty for immigrants in the U.S. without legal authorization who commit capital offenses such as first degree murder or child rape.

The Florida raids have included the arrests of 32 people in early February in Palm Beach County, including a Venezuelan man who was convicted of drug possession and robbery and a Haitian woman who was convicted of prostitution and battery.

A Cuban Tampa woman was deported after being detained during a check-in with an ICE agency. She was separated from her husband and three children.