A sweeping immigration enforcement initiative partnering Florida state agencies with federal authorities has crossed a major threshold, with officials announcing Monday that more than 10,000 arrests have been made in just eight months.
Governor Ron DeSantis touted the results of “Operation Tidal Wave” as a vindication of the state’s aggressive stance on border enforcement. Launched in April 2025, the operation utilizes 287(g) agreements to allow state law enforcement officers to exercise authority traditionally reserved for federal agents, working directly alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Since Operation Tidal Wave launched eight months ago, Florida law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 10,400 illegal aliens and worked with federal partners to remove them from our state and country,” DeSantis said in a statement. He described the initiative as “the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history.”
READ: Missing 11-Year-Old In Florida Rescued From Sex Offender Armed With Duct Tape And Cords
Targeting Criminal Activity
State officials emphasized that the operation prioritizes individuals with criminal records or those subject to final deportation orders. Attorney General James Uthmeier noted that a significant portion of those detained were involved in predatory crimes against children.
“Rest assured, our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure these criminals do serious time behind bars before we send them back to where they came from,” Uthmeier said.
The operation has pulled resources from a wide net of agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and numerous county sheriff’s offices ranging from Hillsborough and Pinellas to Orange and Duval.
Federal partners extending beyond ICE included the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service.
By the Numbers
According to data released by the Governor’s office, the demographic breakdown of the arrests highlights significant activity regarding nationals from Central America and Mexico. The arrest figures by country of origin include:
- Guatemala: 3,435
- Mexico: 3,331
- Honduras: 1,353
- Venezuela: 312
- El Salvador: 312
Another 1,249 individuals arrested hailed from other nations.
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A “Blueprint” for Other States
The administration framed the operation not just as a local success, but as a model for national policy. Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia credited the coordination between Governor DeSantis and President Donald Trump for “taking serious steps” after decades of immigration struggles.
“Illegal immigrants should think twice before coming into our country and into our state, because if they are caught in Florida, they will be sent back home,” Ingoglia warned.
Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, echoed the sentiment that Florida is setting a precedent. He stated that the framework established by Operation Tidal Wave proves that combining state and federal authorities delivers “tangible results” that other states could replicate.
State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson added that the 287(g) partnerships ensure those with serious criminal convictions are “identified, detained, and processed appropriately,” thanking federal leadership for supporting states willing to step up enforcement.
READ: Florida Rep. Greg Steube Urges Suncoast Police Chiefs To Join ICE 287(g) Program
Public Involvement
Authorities continue to ask for the public’s assistance in identifying potential threats. Residents can report suspicious activity or crimes by calling the tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by utilizing ICE’s online reporting tools.
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