Overview

• Operation Tidal Wave, conducted from April 21–24, resulted in the arrests of nearly 800 undocumented migrants across Florida, including 275 with final removal orders.
• The operation utilized Section 287(g) agreements, deputizing over 200 Florida law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement.
• Arrests included individuals with criminal records, such as a convicted Colombian murderer, alleged MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian wanted by Interpol.
• Homeland Security officials described the operation as a model for similar large-scale enforcement actions planned across the United States in the coming months.
• Critics warn of potential collateral arrests and community trust erosion, while Florida officials emphasize compliance with state mandates requiring cooperation with federal immigration efforts.