ICE arrests over 10,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in largest joint operation in history: DeSantis

Story by Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner

Key takeaways


  • Mass Arrests: Over 10,400 illegal immigrants detained in Florida since April under “Operation Tidal Wave”, with 63% arrested via 287(g) agreements.
  • Countries of Origin: Majority from Guatemala (3,400+), Mexico (3,300+), and Honduras (1,300+).
  • Policy & Controversy: Expansion of 287(g) agreements involves over 300 local agencies, sparking debate over racial profiling and local resource use, while legislation to end the program has been reintroduced.





ICE arrests over 10,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in largest joint operation in history: DeSantis

Over ten thousand illegal immigrants have been arrested in Florida over the past eight months after the state expanded cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced on Monday.
“This is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history, and we’re proud that it will continue here in Florida,” DeSantis said.
The governor said 287(g) agreements, state and local law enforcement agencies signed with the Department of Homeland Security, allowed authorities to help ICE and other federal partners, such as Customs and Border Protection and the FBI, target illegal immigrants “in all 67 counties” across Florida. The agreements also authorized local police officers to perform certain immigration duties while on patrol.
Over 10,400 illegal immigrants have been detained since “Operation Tidal Wave” launched in April, according to DeSantis. He revealed during a press conference that 63% of the arrests were made due to the state’s 287(g) agreements. The countries of origin for those detained include over 3,400 from Guatemala, 3,300 from Mexico, and 1,300 from Honduras, the governor’s office said.

DeSantis’s move to expand immigration reforms comes as he is widely viewed as a likely 2028 presidential contender. Along with seeking to brand as the leader of state efforts to combat illegal immigration, DeSantis’s work on redistricting and artificial intelligence could also point to him laying the groundwork for a presidential run after his gubernatorial term ends in 2027.
Regarding targeting illegal immigrants, DeSantis said this week that he is continuing efforts to expand the 287(g) agreements, even with unconventional partners.
“We also have had people in more non-law enforcement agencies, like the Department of Lottery — they have 287(g) agreements,” DeSantis said. “I mean, it’s pretty incredible that we’ve really gone that extensive and that deep.
More than 300 law enforcement agencies in Florida are now part of the 287(g) network, out of roughly 600 across the country, leading ICE to say the state has "set the standard.” The number of such agreements has seen nearly a 600% increase in the state since the start of 2025.
The 287(g) program has provoked significant controversy, due in part to concerns about local police being diverted to promote the Trump administration’s immigration agenda and carry out tasks traditionally reserved for federal agents.
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Last month, three House Democrats reintroduced legislation to end the 287(g) program.
“For too long, the 287(g) program has drained local resources, fueled racial profiling, and made communities less safe — and it’s time we end it,” Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) said in a statement promoting the bill. “The PROTECT Immigration Act makes clear that immigration enforcement belongs with trained federal authorities, guaranteeing that local law enforcement can focus exclusively on keeping our communities safe.”

ICE arrests over 10,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in largest joint operation in history: DeSantis