A dozen individuals, including several Cubans, were apprehended during a joint immigration enforcement operation in the Florida Keys, as confirmed by the Customs and Border Protection's Office of Air and Marine Operations.
The operation took place on November 21, according to the Miami Herald. The detainees, who were in the United States without legal immigration status, hailed from countries such as Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and Guatemala, as stated in the official report.
Those arrested were transported to the Border Patrol station in Marathon, located in the Middle Keys, where they now face deportation proceedings.
As of the report's closing, none of the cases had been filed in federal court records.
The operation featured a Blackhawk helicopter and roadside checkpoints.
A witness informed the Miami Herald that agents were stopping vehicles in the southbound lanes of US 1 near mile marker 105, in front of the Winn-Dixie supermarket in Key Largo, during the morning hours.
According to CBP, all of the individuals arrested had prior charges or convictions, including illegal reentry after deportation, driving under the influence, illegal possession of a concealed weapon, drug possession with a weapon, assault, and domestic violence.
Authorities did not specify how many of the detainees were Cuban but confirmed that several were among the group.
Since the tightening of immigration policies under the Trump administration, ICE and Border Patrol operations have increased in frequency and scope across Florida.
In mid-November, over 200 undocumented foreign criminals, many of whom were sexual predators of minors and originated from Cuba and other countries, were apprehended in Florida during "Operation Dirtbag." This operation was jointly conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
"Operation Dirtbag," officially known as "Operation Criminal Return," lasted 10 days and resulted in the arrest of at least 230 illegal immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds, including sex offenders, as announced during an ICE and Florida police press conference.
The operation led to the capture of 54 sexual predators, 164 sex offenders, two convicted murderers, one individual convicted of drug trafficking, and eight charged with other serious offenses, reported Madison Sheahan, ICE's deputy director.
Key Details of Florida Immigration Raids
What was the primary objective of the Florida Keys operation?
The main goal was to apprehend individuals residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status, particularly those with prior criminal charges or convictions.
How many individuals were arrested during Operation Dirtbag?
Operation Dirtbag resulted in the arrest of at least 230 illegal immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds.
Were any specific tools or methods used in the Florida Keys operation?
The operation employed a Blackhawk helicopter and implemented roadside checkpoints to conduct the arrests.
How has immigration enforcement changed in Florida under recent administrations?
Under the Trump administration, immigration enforcement operations in Florida have become more frequent and wide-ranging.