U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with Florida law enforcement agencies, arrested nearly 800 undocumented migrants in a sweeping four-day crackdown dubbed "Operation Tidal Wave," officials announced Saturday. The operation, described as the first of its kind, reflects a deepening partnership between federal and state authorities to enforce immigration laws.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the effort utilized the 287(g) program, which allows ICE to deputize state and local police to carry out immigration enforcement duties. "State troopers, local police officers, county sheriffs - they're our eyes and ears," Lyons told ABC News, calling the Florida operation "significant" because of its unprecedented structure.
ICE reported that of the 780 individuals arrested, 275 had final deportation orders and are expected to be removed swiftly. The operation targeted areas with large immigrant populations, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers, according to documents reviewed by the Miami Herald.
Deputy ICE Director Madison Sheahan said the agency is planning to expand the model beyond Florida. "We've seen historic partnerships with the state of Texas...in Virginia, as well as many other states that are coming to the table," Sheahan said. "Even states that you wouldn't necessarily always think of as border states."
This is a warning to all criminal illegal aliens: We’re coming for you. @DHSgov, @ICEgov, and our state partners will hunt you down, arrest and deport you.
That’s a promise. https://t.co/mjerR5WNpb — Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 26, 2025
Florida has signed more 287(g) agreements than any other state, with nearly 230 local law enforcement agencies participating. Most operate under the "task force model," allowing local officers to detain individuals suspected of immigration violations under ICE supervision.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation, posting on X that "Florida is leading the nation in active cooperation with the Trump administration for immigration enforcement and deportation operations." DeSantis has aggressively promoted immigration enforcement initiatives since overseeing the passage of stricter immigration laws in 2024.
In a related move, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched an investigation into the Fort Myers City Council after it failed to pass a 287(g) agreement in March. DeSantis warned local officials at the time that "the days of inaction are over."
Operation Tidal Wave, also referred to as "Operation Black Tide" in some ICE communications, represents a significant escalation in immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration's new policies. ICE emphasized the broad support from Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, describing the arrests as part of a "major, multi-agency effort."
No specific details about the nationalities of those arrested have been released, and ICE said it would announce additional results when appropriate.
Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the operation in a post on X, writing: "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."
ICE, created in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security, enforces the nation's interior immigration laws. With more than 20,000 law enforcement officers and an annual budget of approximately $8 billion, the agency has ramped up cooperation with local police under Trump, signing 428 new 287(g) agreements since the start of his administration, a 371% increase.
