Nearly 800 illegal immigrants, including a convicted murderer and terrorist suspects, were rounded up in a massive four-day ICE crackdown in Florida as federal and state authorities unite to enforce immigration laws.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Tidal Wave in Florida has led to almost 800 arrests of illegal immigrants in just four days, including dangerous criminals with international warrants and gang affiliations.
- The operation represents unprecedented cooperation between ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and all 67 Florida county sheriffs.
- Notable arrests include a Colombian convicted murderer, MS-13 gang members, and a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice.
- Two judges were arrested for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants, showing a commitment to enforcing immigration laws at all levels.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explicitly stated this operation is just the beginning of a nationwide enforcement effort.
Massive Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Sweeps Florida
A coordinated immigration enforcement operation in Florida has resulted in the arrest of nearly 800 illegal immigrants in just four days. Operation Tidal Wave, led by ICE Miami in partnership with state and federal agencies and all 67 Florida county sheriffs, represents one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in recent history. The operation specifically targeted illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, removing dangerous individuals from communities throughout the state in what officials are calling a “major success.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation as an example of effective cooperation between different levels of government. “Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration − the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly,” DeSantis stated. The governor has been a vocal proponent of strict immigration enforcement and has positioned Florida as a leader in addressing illegal immigration through state-level initiatives.
Operation Tidal Wave led to the arrest of over 780 illegal immigrants in Florida.pic.twitter.com/ZHhFR6FMzL
— DOGE News (@DOGE__news) April 27, 2025
Dangerous Criminals Removed From American Streets
Among those arrested in Operation Tidal Wave were several high-profile criminals who had previously evaded capture. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian national convicted of homicide, was apprehended along with Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged MS-13 gang member with a prior felony reentry conviction. The operation also captured Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian with an active Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter, and Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran suspected terrorist with ties to the notorious 18th Street gang.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stern warning to those who might be in the country illegally, especially those with criminal backgrounds. “This is a warning to all criminal illegal aliens: We’re coming for you, @DHSgov, @ICEgov, and our state partners will hunt you down, arrest and deport you. That’s a promise,” threatened Noem. The operation demonstrates a renewed focus on immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration, with officials indicating that similar operations are planned for other states in the coming months. Customs and Border Protection provided what officials described as “extraordinary support” for the operation.
Officials Held Accountable For Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
In a related development that highlights the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement, two judges were arrested for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants from ICE authorities. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was charged with obstruction and concealing an individual, while former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife face evidence tampering charges for allegedly harboring a gang member. These arrests signal that officials who impede immigration enforcement may face legal consequences.
The operation faced some initial resistance from the Fort Myers City Council, which had refused to partner with ICE. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized this decision as illegal, and Naples Congressman Byron Donalds suggested that council members who opposed the partnership should be removed from their positions. The council later reversed its decision and approved the ICE partnership. The successful operation in Florida serves as a model for future coordination between federal immigration officials and local law enforcement agencies.
Sources:
‘Operation Tidal Wave’ brings almost 800 arrests in immigration crackdown in Florida
Nearly 800 illegal aliens arrested in massive Florida ICE operation: ‘Tidal Wave’
