ICE’s ‘Operation Tidal Wave’ sets record with 1,120 immigrant arrests in one week

ICE operation with Florida agencies targets undocumented immigrants with prior criminal convictions, gang affiliation

In a record-setting immigration enforcement action, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida state agencies arrested 1,120 individuals in a single week as part of Operation Tidal Wave, which officials say marks the largest number of immigration-related arrests in one state within such a short period since ICE’s inception in 2003.

The joint operation, conducted April 21–26, targeted undocumented immigrants with prior criminal convictions, gang affiliations, or final deportation orders.

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan called the initiative “historic” and a “first-of-its-kind” operation, made possible through expanded cooperation with Florida under the federal 287(g) program, which allows local agencies to enforce immigration law.

Among those arrested were individuals from Guatemala (437), Mexico (280), and Honduras (153), with others from Venezuela, El Salvador, and Colombia.

ICE reported the arrests included gang members from MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and 18th Street, as well as individuals convicted of serious crimes like murder and kidnapping.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking alongside ICE officials at a press conference, said the state’s commitment to federal immigration enforcement “is just the beginning” and vowed to continue efforts that he said prioritize public safety.

Critics, however, raised concerns about due process and community impact.

Immigration advocates allege that many detainees were stopped during routine traffic checks or while heading to work, and that some had pending asylum claims or legal work permits.

“This operation terrorized communities,” said Renatta Bozzetto of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “Authorities provided no proof that most of those detained were threats to public safety.”

ICE says the operation serves as a model for other states, with more local enforcement partnerships expected under federal plans to expand interior immigration enforcement nationwide.