In a significant immigration enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 800 undocumented immigrants across Florida over a four-day period, marking a historic collaboration with state and local law enforcement. Dubbed "Operation Tidal Wave," this initiative began on April 21, 2025, and concluded on April 24, 2025. The operation targeted 780 undocumented migrants, including 275 individuals with final removal orders, as reported by various news outlets including CNN and Fox News.
ICE officials described the operation as a "first-of-its-kind partnership between state and federal partners," emphasizing the scale and coordination achieved through the involvement of 230 Florida law enforcement agencies. This marked the first formal use of Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing state and local law enforcement to be deputized to arrest individuals illegally residing in the U.S.
Among those arrested were serious criminal offenders, including a convicted murderer from Colombia, alleged members of the MS-13 and 18th Street gangs, and a Russian national with an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter. Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, highlighted the operation's comprehensive approach, stating, "So this is one of the first large-scale missions we’ve done like this ever. We brought a ‘whole … government’ approach with cooperative jurisdictions that want to help ICE secure communities in neighborhoods and remove public safety threats from our neighborhoods." This sentiment was echoed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who praised the operation as an example of how federal, state, and local agencies can work together to achieve significant results in immigration enforcement.
However, the operation has sparked intense debate and controversy, especially in communities with large immigrant populations. In Fort Myers, for instance, city council members initially opposed the ICE collaboration but reversed their decision after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned them they could face removal from office for not complying with state law. Uthmeier stated, "Your vote last night makes you a sanctuary city. Fix this problem or face the consequences." The council's eventual approval of the ICE partnership was met with mixed reactions from the community, with many expressing fear and concern over the implications for public safety and trust in local law enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stark warning to undocumented immigrants, stating, "This is a warning to all criminal illegal aliens: We’re coming for you. @DHSgov, @ICEgov, and our state partners will hunt you down, arrest and deport you. That’s a promise." Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin called the operation a "major success," noting that it removed individuals who had been "acting with impunity and terrorizing U.S. communities." She indicated that more such operations are planned for the coming months.
Critics of Operation Tidal Wave have raised concerns about its impact on immigrant communities, arguing that the crackdown fosters fear and mistrust. Jill Hanson, who runs a nonprofit organization supporting immigrants, reported that several individuals from her community were detained without any criminal records. "Just makes me so angry, you can't even believe it," she said, highlighting the fear that such operations instill in immigrant families. Many within these communities worry that the presence of law enforcement will deter victims of crime from seeking help.
Moreover, the operation has been scrutinized for its transparency and the accuracy of reported deportation numbers. Adam Isacson, director of defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, questioned the administration's claims regarding deportations, stating, "Unless they deported 30,000-plus people to Canada, I'm not seeing it." This skepticism reflects a broader concern among advocates that the operation may not be as effective or justified as claimed.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of stricter immigration laws, stating that the state now has the "toughest" immigration enforcement laws in the U.S. He emphasized that the cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is crucial for maintaining public safety. In a statement on social media, DeSantis remarked, "Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration − the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly." This hardline stance has garnered both support and opposition within the state.
As the operation unfolded, it became evident that the impact would extend beyond the immediate arrests. Many residents in immigrant-heavy areas reported heightened anxiety, with some businesses closing and community events being canceled out of fear of law enforcement presence. Videos circulated on social media showing individuals being detained during routine traffic stops, further exacerbating fears within these communities.
In conclusion, Operation Tidal Wave represents a significant shift in immigration enforcement strategy in Florida, showcasing a collaborative effort between federal and state authorities. However, the operation has also ignited widespread fear and opposition among immigrant communities, raising critical questions about the balance between public safety and the rights of undocumented immigrants. As ICE continues its efforts under the 287(g) program, the long-term implications of such operations will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike.
