A high-impact immigration enforcement effort led by the Department of Homeland Security resulted in the arrest of over 230 illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds in Florida.
The sweep, conducted under the name “Operation Dirtbag,” targeted violent offenders, including more than 150 illegal aliens identified as sex offenders—many of whom were charged with crimes against children.
The arrests included individuals with charges such as attempted murder, aggravated battery, sexual assault, lewd and lascivious molestation of minors, and burglary. Florida law enforcement agencies, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, provided full cooperation with federal authorities.
“These individuals were sex offenders, but not just sex offenders… They targeted children,” Noem shared.
Secretary Kristi Noem, overseeing DHS operations, stated that this initiative is just the beginning, saying, “Our kids will be safer. And this partnership with Governor DeSantis in Florida is a model that we want to replicate across the country.”
Noem credited Florida’s willingness to assist as key to the operation’s success, calling it a “proof of concept” for how effective interior immigration enforcement can be when states support DHS efforts.
Noem went on to add, “These individuals should’ve never been in our country to begin with, and the fact that they were sexual deviants and perverts and now we’ve gotten them off of our streets… It’s remarkable, and we need to do more of it.”
Compare this operation to policies in sanctuary cities, where local governments often refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Secretary Noem’s remarks sent a strong signal that DHS intends to bypass these limitations and carry out targeted enforcement wherever necessary.
Operation Dirtbag underscores the ongoing need for secure borders, thorough vetting, and robust enforcement mechanisms that prevent dangerous individuals from exploiting weaknesses in the immigration system.
With public safety at the forefront, DHS appears poised to expand its crackdown on illegal aliens with criminal records, especially in states willing to cooperate with federal law enforcement.
