The largest joint ICE operation in history: Florida surpasses 10,400 immigration arrests

The latest figure that echoed through Governor Ron DeSantis’ press conference wasn’t a projection or a warning. It was a stark reality shaping daily life on Florida’s roads, transit hubs, and detention centers. Over the past eight months, more than 10,400 people have been arrested under Operation Tidal Wave, a coordinated effort between the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, described by officials as the largest joint operation in the agency’s history.

Since its launch in April 2025, the operation has taken thousands of undocumented immigrants into custody, many with prior criminal convictions or serious charges, according to official data. Florida has emerged as the epicenter of a tougher immigration approach in the United States. “This is the largest joint immigration law enforcement operation in ICE history, and we are proud that it continues here in Florida,” DeSantis said during the official announcement.

Who is being arrested in Florida?

State-released data highlight the diversity of those arrested. Guatemala and Mexico top the list, followed by Honduras, El Salvador, and Venezuela, along with hundreds from other countries. Officials emphasize that collaboration under 287(g) agreements, which allow state officers to perform federal immigration duties, has been key to reaching these numbers. They also note that the operation targets not just those without legal status but prioritizes individuals considered “threats to the community.”

Rising criticism and community concerns

Yet this historic number has sparked debate. Migrant rights groups and humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about detention methods, conditions at facilities like the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, and the broader impact on families and communities already established in Florida.

For many Latino residents in urban and rural areas, the presence of federal and state agents in raids, transit stations, and neighborhoods has created a climate of fear and tension, particularly in immigrant-heavy communities. The governor, however, maintains that the actions are designed to protect public safety and uphold the law, stressing that each arrest is rooted in order and legality.

Tidal Wave’s impact on national immigration policy

As Operation Tidal Wave surpasses 10,000 arrests, it has become more than a statistic. It stands as a symbol of Florida’s broader immigration stance, potentially serving as either a model or a cautionary example for other jurisdictions across the country.

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