In a four-day operation called “Operation Tidal Wave,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated with local law enforcement in Florida to arrest nearly 800 undocumented immigrants. This marked the first major initiative combining federal and state efforts using the 287(g) program, which allows local police to enforce federal immigration laws.
The operation targeted individuals with serious criminal records, including a Colombian man convicted of murder, members of the MS-13 and 18th Street gangs, and a Russian citizen wanted for manslaughter in his home country. Additionally, the crackdown focused on repeat offenders and individuals suspected of ties to terrorist organizations.
The operation comes as the Trump administration intensifies deportation efforts, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly supporting federal immigration policies. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from human rights groups and immigrant communities, who argue it risks abuse of power and infringes on civil rights.
