Florida Joins Trump in Sweeping Illegal Alien Operation

Man speaking at a podium with flags behind

Florida launches massive “Operation Tidal Wave” in partnership with the Trump administration, targeting 800 illegal immigrants with final deportation orders across the state and deploying over 230 law enforcement agencies in an unprecedented collaboration.

Quick Takes

  • Florida and the Department of Homeland Security have launched “Operation Tidal Wave” to detain approximately 800 illegal immigrants with final deportation orders
  • The operation involves over 230 state and local law enforcement agencies, more than any other state in the nation
  • The initiative primarily targets individuals with final deportation orders, especially those deemed threats to communities
  • Governor Ron DeSantis supports the federal efforts, aligning Florida with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement priorities
  • The operation spans from Jacksonville to Miami, covering major population centers throughout Florida

Unprecedented Federal-State Immigration Partnership

Florida has emerged as the leading state in cooperation with President Trump’s new immigration enforcement agenda, creating the most extensive state-level deportation operation in the country. “Operation Tidal Wave” represents a coordinated effort between federal immigration authorities and Florida’s extensive network of law enforcement agencies, creating a unified front in targeting individuals who have already received final deportation orders from immigration courts. The massive operation spans the entirety of the state, from the panhandle to the southern tip, with enforcement activities reported in Miami-Dade, Broward, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, and Fort Myers.

The scale of the operation is notable for involving over 230 state and local law enforcement agencies—more than any other state has contributed to federal immigration enforcement. This extensive collaboration demonstrates Florida’s commitment to supporting and implementing the Trump administration’s immigration policies at the local level, creating a force multiplier effect for federal resources. Governor Ron DeSantis has positioned Florida as a model for how states can actively participate in immigration enforcement rather than merely observing federal operations.

“Operation Tidal Wave is not just about numbers; it’s about sending a message,” said The Trump administration.

Expanding Local Enforcement Powers

The operation’s effectiveness relies heavily on the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to question, arrest, and detain suspected illegal immigrants. Florida has embraced this program more extensively than any other state, with approximately 130 agencies already actively participating and more applications pending approval. This represents a significant expansion of immigration enforcement capability beyond what federal agencies could accomplish alone. The Miami City Council is currently debating joining the program, while the city of Homestead has already voted to participate despite having a significant foreign-born population.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has implemented measures to streamline deportations nationwide, including revamping the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to better identify deportable individuals. The operation specifically prioritizes individuals who have already exhausted their legal options and received final removal orders from immigration courts. DHS has emphasized that the operation targets those deemed threats to communities, described as “criminal individuals or immigration violators” who have no legal basis to remain in the United States.

Legal Landscape and Challenges

The operation comes at a time of evolving legal authority for immigration enforcement. A recent Supreme Court decision has bolstered the administration’s authority to conduct such operations, providing legal backing for the expanded enforcement activities. However, the operation exists in tension with an ongoing legal dispute over a Florida state law that allows for the arrest of illegal immigrants. A federal judge previously issued an order blocking such arrests under state authority, creating a complex legal environment for the current operation that primarily relies on federal authority.

The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) has raised concerns about potential civil rights violations, including the possibility of racial profiling and mistaken arrests of individuals with legal status. They argue that deputizing local agencies for immigration enforcement diverts resources from traditional public safety duties and could exacerbate worker shortages in the state. Despite these objections, the operation continues to expand, with more local departments expected to join the 287(g) program in the coming months.

“This is a rush to meet an arbitrary number, but behind those numbers are fathers, mothers, siblings, friends, and neighbors; hard-working members of our communities who pay taxes and contribute to our state,” the Florida Immigration Coalition said.

Operational Security and Ongoing Efforts

Federal immigration authorities have maintained strict operational security around specific details of the operation. An ICE spokesperson stated, “Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate.” This approach reflects the sensitive nature of the enforcement activities and potential for resistance. Democratic National Committee member Juan Cuba has expressed concerns about the impact on mixed-status families, particularly in communities like Doral with large immigrant populations.

The operation represents a significant test case for the Trump administration’s broader immigration agenda, demonstrating how federal-state partnerships can amplify enforcement capabilities. If successful, the Florida model could be replicated in other states aligned with the administration’s immigration policies. Governor DeSantis has positioned Florida as the leader in this approach, creating what may become a template for immigration enforcement across the country under the current administration’s directive to prioritize the removal of individuals with final deportation orders.

Sources:

  1. Florida Teams Up with Trump Admin to Hit Illegal Aliens with Unprecedented ‘Operation Tidal Wave’
  2. Florida Police Are Joining ICE on Deportation Raids – Newsweek

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