Between April 21 and April 24, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida state agencies carried out a large enforcement effort known as Operation Tidal Wave. Nearly 800 individuals were arrested during the first four days of the operation, according to federal officials.
The operation involved ICE’s Miami office partnering with local law enforcement agencies across the state, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. The arrests targeted individuals found to be in the United States without legal status. According to authorities, some individuals had prior criminal convictions or active warrants.
ICE stated that Operation Tidal Wave used its 287(g) authority, which allows state and local law enforcement officers to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. Officials described the operation as one of the largest of its kind in Florida, bringing together hundreds of agents from multiple agencies.
Among those arrested were individuals with alleged ties to violent gangs, including MS-13 and the 18th Street gang. ICE reported the apprehension of a Colombian national previously convicted of homicide, a Guatemalan citizen with multiple illegal reentries, and a Russian citizen flagged with an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter. Authorities also reported arresting individuals connected to suspected terrorist organizations.
In addition to immigration violations, agents seized firearms and drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, during the operation. Officials emphasized that the effort aimed to remove individuals posing public safety risks.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the operation, stating that it demonstrated the state’s commitment to supporting federal immigration enforcement. In a social media post, Bondi said the nightclub targeted during a related raid had been frequented by gang-affiliated individuals. The Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies participated in connected operations across the state.
ICE officials said the cooperation with Florida state agencies had been crucial, calling state troopers, county sheriffs, and local police officers “eyes and ears” during the enforcement effort. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that using partnerships across different levels of government strengthened the ability to identify and arrest individuals who might otherwise evade detection.
Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said that the agency expects operations like Operation Tidal Wave to continue in other states. Officials noted that ICE’s partnerships under 287(g) have expanded nationally over the past two years.
Although many of the individuals arrested face deportation proceedings, ICE said that enforcement actions prioritized those with criminal records or public safety concerns.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade commented that while local law enforcement’s focus remains on addressing crime, cooperation with federal partners has helped improve community safety.
Operation Tidal Wave is ongoing, with more enforcement actions expected as ICE continues its work across Florida.
Image is in the public domain and was created by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
