Florida Allies with Trump in Illegal Immigration Blitz

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Florida launches an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign with President Trump’s administration, targeting 800 undocumented immigrants with deportation orders across the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security to launch “Operation Tidal Wave,” mobilizing over 230 state and local law enforcement agencies
  • The operation targets approximately 800 undocumented immigrants who already have final deportation orders
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is implementing measures to streamline deportations, including revamping the SAVE program
  • Governor Ron DeSantis has aligned Florida with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement priorities
  • Local agencies are using expanded powers under the 287(g) program, allowing them to question, arrest, and detain suspected undocumented immigrants

Unprecedented Partnership Between Florida and Federal Authorities

Florida has initiated “Operation Tidal Wave” in an unprecedented collaboration with the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws throughout the state. The operation mobilizes more than 230 state and local law enforcement agencies—more than any other state in the nation—to work in conjunction with federal immigration authorities. This massive effort targets individuals who have already received final deportation orders from immigration courts, prioritizing those deemed to pose potential threats to communities.

The partnership between Florida and the Department of Homeland Security represents a significant escalation in immigration enforcement efforts nationwide. With a focus on detaining approximately 800 undocumented immigrants across Florida, the operation spans from Jacksonville to Miami, including Miami-Dade, Broward counties, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, and Fort Myers.

DeSantis Supports Federal Enforcement Efforts

Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown his full support behind the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives. Under DeSantis’s leadership, Florida has positioned itself as a key ally in implementing federal immigration policies. The governor’s backing comes as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem implements measures to streamline deportations, including revamping the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to provide more effective verification of immigration status.

“Operation Tidal Wave is not just about numbers; it’s about sending a message,” said the Trump Administration.

A recent Supreme Court decision has strengthened the administration’s authority to conduct such operations despite ongoing legal challenges. This ruling has emboldened federal and state authorities to pursue more aggressive enforcement actions. The operation also expands local police powers in immigration enforcement, allowing agencies to more actively participate in identifying and apprehending individuals in violation of immigration laws.

Expansion of Local Law Enforcement Powers

The operation heavily utilizes the 287(g) program, which grants local law enforcement agencies the authority to question, arrest, and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. Currently, approximately 130 Florida agencies are active under this program, with more applications pending. The Miami City Council is currently debating joining the program, while Homestead has already voted to participate despite having a significant foreign-born population.

“Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate,” an ICE spokesperson stated.

This expansion occurs amid legal tensions over a new Florida state law that allows for the arrest of illegal immigrants, despite a federal judge’s order blocking such arrests. The operation has particularly focused on individuals described as “criminal individuals or immigration violators” who have already received final orders of removal from immigration courts.

Community Concerns and Opposition

Not all Floridians support the operation. The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) has raised concerns about potential civil rights violations, racial profiling, and the possibility of arresting individuals with legal status or no criminal record. Democratic National Committee member Juan Cuba has expressed worries about the impact on mixed-status families, particularly in cities with large immigrant populations like Doral.

“This is a rush to meet an arbitrary number, but behind those numbers are fathers, mothers, siblings, friends, and neighbors; hard-working members of our communities who pay taxes and contribute to our state,” said the Florida Immigration Coalition.

FLIC and other groups argue that deputizing local agencies to perform immigration enforcement functions diverts resources from public safety duties and could exacerbate worker shortages in key industries. Despite these objections, more local departments are expected to join the 287(g) program as the operation continues to expand throughout Florida.

Sources:

  1. Florida Teams Up with Trump Admin to Hit Illegal Aliens with Unprecedented ‘Operation Tidal Wave’
  2. Florida Police Are Joining ICE on Deportation Raids – Newsweek

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