Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest of 378 violent offenders during a six-day immigration enforcement operation, “Operation Tidal Wave,” conducted from April 21 to 26. The operation, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and state and local law enforcement, resulted in a total of 1,120 arrests across the state.
During a press conference, Governor DeSantis emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, “There’s been a lot of great enforcement efforts leading up to Operation Tidal Wave, but this has been the first of its kind throughout the United States…This is the largest immigration enforcement operation that we’ve seen in quite some time throughout the entire country.”
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan credited the success of the operation to the partnership with Florida, noting that the collaboration enabled the removal of several violent gang members from communities within the state.
“This operation really is a historic marker of success that was made possible because of the partnership with the state of Florida. Together, we are able to conduct over 1,100 arrests and remove several violent gang members from the communities here in Florida,” Sheahan addeed.
The arrests included individuals identified as gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice, and those posing significant public safety threats. The operation underscores Florida’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring the safety of its residents.
