Florida is launching an unprecedented immigration enforcement operation in partnership with the Trump Administration that aims to deport hundreds of undocumented immigrants. The massive coordinated effort spans multiple cities and represents one of the most extensive state-federal collaborations on immigration enforcement. Why are immigration advocacy groups retaliating?
Florida and Federal Authorities Join Forces
Operation Tidal Wave represents an unprecedented partnership between Florida and the Trump administration, targeting approximately 800 undocumented immigrants who have final deportation orders. The initiative involves more than 230 state and local law enforcement agencies, marking the largest state-level collaboration with federal immigration authorities in the country.
The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, is implementing measures to streamline deportations and revamp the SAVE program. This operation primarily focuses on individuals deemed threats to communities, with enforcement activities spanning from Jacksonville to Miami, including areas like Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers.
"Federal authorities launched a large-scale operation in Florida this week to find and detain some 800 undocumented immigrants in the first coordinated immigration enforcement effort with state police since the Trump administration came into power."https://t.co/6DcCVm5VMh
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— Daniel Horowitz (@RMConservative) April 24, 2025
Expanded Local Authority and Legal Framework
The operation utilizes the 287(g) program, which grants local law enforcement agencies the authority to question, arrest, and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. Approximately 130 Florida agencies are already participating in this program, with additional applications pending from other departments across the state.
A recent Supreme Court decision has bolstered the administration’s authority to conduct such operations despite ongoing legal challenges. The operation continues amid tensions over a new Florida state law allowing arrests of illegal immigrants, even as a federal judge has issued an order blocking such arrests.
Another day, another activist federal judge trying to throw sand in the gears of immigration enforcement, this time in Florida… pic.twitter.com/wQsl3o8pCA
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 7, 2025
Community Impacts and Concerns
The Florida Immigrant Coalition has expressed concerns about potential civil rights violations, racial profiling, and the arrest of individuals with legal status or no criminal record. “It’s shameful that something as sensitive as immigration enforcement has been turned into this type of whack-a-mole carnival game where human beings are the targets,” the organization stated.
Critics argue that deputizing local agencies for immigration enforcement distracts from their primary public safety duties and could exacerbate worker shortages in various industries. Democratic National Committee member Juan Cuba has voiced particular concern for mixed-status families in cities with large immigrant populations like Doral, where many residents may have family members with different immigration statuses.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has declined to provide specific details about the operation, with a spokesperson stating, “Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations.” Governor Ron DeSantis continues to maintain strong support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies, positioning Florida as a key partner in federal enforcement efforts.