In the initial days of Operation Tidal Wave, an extensive immigration enforcement initiative led by federal and state authorities, more than 800 migrants were taken into custody in Florida. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, via its official X account, reported this unprecedented operation, which involved ICE Miami agents working alongside Florida's state security forces to carry out the detentions within the first four days.
Operation Tidal Wave represents a unique collaboration between federal and state agencies aimed at reinforcing immigration law enforcement. ICE highlighted the exceptional support from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and expressed gratitude to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its dedication to public safety.
Described as a "significant multi-agency effort," the operation seeks to enhance immigration control mechanisms and foster new partnerships between police forces and federal authorities under the framework of the 287(g) program agreements. So far, there has been no specific information released regarding the nationalities of those detained or the procedures following their arrests.
ICE also shared initial images from the operation site to demonstrate the scope of this "highly successful" initiative. Secretary Kristi Noem made a statement on X concerning Operation Tidal Wave, delivering a direct warning to illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
"This is a warning to all criminal illegal immigrants: we are coming for you. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and our state partners will pursue, arrest, and deport you," Noem asserted, concluding her message by reaffirming the commitment of the authorities to these actions with a promise.
Federal authorities launched this large-scale operation in Florida this week, targeting the detention and deportation of approximately 800 undocumented immigrants. This represents the first coordinated immigration control effort between the federal government and state police since the Trump administration took office.
Initiated on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Operation Tidal Wave is set to continue until Saturday. According to documents obtained by the Miami Herald, the operation targeted individuals with final deportation orders or criminal records in various Florida regions, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers.
The operation signifies a notable shift in immigration strategy, highlighting the increased collaboration between DHS and Florida's law enforcement agencies. Through the 287(g) program, which allows local police to perform limited immigration enforcement duties, over 230 law enforcement agencies in the state have signed agreements to participate, making Florida the state with the most such collaborations in the nation.
Key Details of Operation Tidal Wave
What is Operation Tidal Wave?
Operation Tidal Wave is a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative in Florida aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records or final deportation orders.
Which agencies are involved in Operation Tidal Wave?
The operation involves cooperation between the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and various state law enforcement agencies in Florida.
What areas in Florida are targeted by this operation?
The operation targets multiple regions in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers.