In a sweeping four-day operation known as “Operation Tidal Wave,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working closely with Florida law enforcement, arrested nearly 800 individuals across the state.
The crackdown targeted undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records, including convicted murderers, known gang members, and individuals flagged by international authorities. Among those taken into custody were a Colombian national convicted of homicide, a Guatemalan MS-13 gang member previously deported for felony reentry, a Russian national wanted for vehicular manslaughter, and a Honduran national tied to the 18th Street gang with multiple illegal entries into the U.S.
The coordinated operation marked a major collaboration between federal and state agencies, with additional support from Customs and Border Protection. Officials emphasized that the arrests are part of a broader effort to bolster public safety and reinforce immigration laws.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the success of the operation, highlighting the state’s growing role in supporting federal immigration enforcement initiatives.
The announcement came at a time of heightened scrutiny over immigration policies, following the recent arrests of two judges accused of obstructing ICE operations by allegedly helping undocumented immigrants evade detention.