Key Takeaways
• Operation Tidal Wave in April 2025 led to 1,120 arrests over six days, the largest joint operation in Florida history.
• Florida passed two sweeping immigration laws in February 2025, including making illegal entry a crime and introducing the death penalty for capital felonies.
• Florida leads the nation with 97 local agencies in ICE’s 287(g) program, drastically expanding state-federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
Florida is at the front line of the United States’ current push for stronger immigration enforcement, as state officials work very closely with the federal government to expand and harden their approach. Over the past year, the state has moved quickly to make strict policies part of everyday life, with ICE raids, increased funding for law enforcement, and new laws all bringing major changes. Officials themselves now call this level of enforcement “the new normal” in Florida, showing just how much things have changed for immigrants, their families, employers, and communities across the state.
Record-Breaking ICE Raids: Operation Tidal Wave and Beyond
April 2025 saw what has been called “the largest joint immigration operation in Florida history,” making clear just how serious these efforts have become. The operation, which was run from April 21 to April 26, was officially called Operation Tidal Wave. Over this one week, federal and state officials arrested 1,120 immigrants they described as “criminal aliens.” These actions were carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) working together with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and nearly 100 local and state police agencies.
This wasn’t an isolated event. Earlier in the month, another large-scale operation took place, with ICE officers and state and local police working side by side. Over just four days, approximately 780 immigrants were arrested. Of these, more than 275 had “final removal orders”—meaning a judge had already ordered they be deported and were now targeted for detention and removal.
For many immigrants in Florida, these actions can mean the sudden loss of a loved one, family breadwinner, or community member without warning. For employers, it can disrupt businesses and make it harder to hire and keep valuable workers. The rapid pace and size of these efforts send a clear signal that immigration enforcement is now center stage in Florida.
Florida’s New Laws and Expanded Role
Florida has taken a very visible and active position in immigration matters, moving from just following federal rules to setting its own tone. As Governor Ron DeSantis put it, the state has become “the tip of the spear” for supporting President Trump’s immigration priorities.
A big part of this was the passage of two new immigration laws in February 2025. These sweeping changes set Florida apart from many other states. The new laws:
- Created a special State Board of Immigration Enforcement, giving Florida more direct control over how it helps enforce federal rules.
- Made it a crime for adults to knowingly enter the state without legal status.
- Imposed the death penalty on undocumented immigrants convicted of capital felonies—a decision that stands out even nationally.
- Ended in-state tuition options for undocumented students at Florida’s public colleges, making higher education far less affordable or even impossible for many.
- Gave about $300 million in new money directly to state law enforcement to step up immigration checks and actions.
Many of these steps are seen by supporters as a way to strengthen border security and reduce crime. Critics, however, say the laws go too far and could harm families, children, and communities, as well as make it harder for immigrants and their U.S.-born relatives to get ahead.
ICE/State Partnerships: The 287(g) Program in Florida
Key to these massive enforcement efforts is Florida’s use of what’s known as “287(g) partnerships.” Under this program, local and state law enforcement officers can get special training from ICE and are then allowed to perform some immigration duties. They can question people about their immigration status, hold those suspected of violating rules, and help bring cases forward for possible removal from the United States.
Florida now leads the entire country in these 287(g) partnerships. Out of 140 law enforcement agencies nationwide with such agreements, 97 are in Florida alone. This means more local police than ever before are now involved in searching for and detaining people believed to be in the country without permission. For many, this adds another layer of fear, making even simple things like driving, reporting a crime, or going to work more stressful.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan summed up the nature of these efforts, saying that their officers “take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S.” From the government’s point of view, these actions are not only about removing those with criminal backgrounds but also about sending a very strong message that enforcement is here to stay.
Enforcement Statistics: The New Normal by the Numbers
The push for stricter immigration law enforcement extends beyond just Florida—it is nationwide, but the state is a clear leader in this area. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Trump administration’s approach is clear from the numbers.
During President Trump’s first 50 days back in office, ICE made 32,809 arrests of immigrants across the United States. That’s almost as many as were made during the entire previous fiscal year of 2024, when 33,242 “at-large” individuals were detained. Of those picked up in the first 50 days:
- 14,111 (almost half) were already convicted of crimes.
- 9,980 (about one-third) had criminal charges still pending.
- 1,155 people were identified as criminal gang members, which is about two and a half times as many as the same period last year.
- 39 people were listed as known or suspected terrorists, nearly triple the number from this period a year earlier.
Officials at all levels point to these numbers as proof that the system is working—and that Florida’s approach is having a real impact.
Why Florida? Understanding the Focus
Florida’s position as a gateway to the United States, with a long coastline and many large cities, has long made it a focal point for both legal and unlawful immigration. But the state government has, in recent years, worked hard to push for changes that make enforcement faster and stricter than in many other places.
Governor DeSantis and other leaders see close work with ICE and other federal agencies as a way to address what they call “out of control” illegal immigration. They argue that these efforts improve public safety, create jobs for U.S. citizens, and limit taxpayer costs for services used by undocumented residents.
Supporters of the crackdown say that focusing on individuals with criminal records, gang ties, or links to terrorism helps keep neighborhoods safer. They point to cases of violent crime involving some undocumented immigrants as proof that stricter rules are needed.
Laws, Funding, and Political Goals
The new Florida laws passed in early 2025 are wider in scope and steeper in penalties than anything Florida has done before. By creating a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, the state has given itself more power in setting its own priorities. Making illegal entry a crime at the state level allows police to detain and charge individuals even before federal agents get involved.
Ending in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants is viewed by supporters as making taxpayer-funded education benefits only available to legal residents and citizens. Critics argue that it punishes innocent young people who had no say in their family’s immigration status and pushes them further from opportunity.
Perhaps the most controversial piece is the death penalty provision for those convicted of capital felonies who are undocumented. This is the first law of its kind in the nation and has sparked heated debate about fairness, effective use of state funds, and its likely effects on crime rates and due process.
The nearly $300 million in new money set aside means Florida police are better equipped, trained, and able to participate in ICE raids, especially as part of operations like Operation Tidal Wave. The investment signals a long-term commitment from state leaders to keep these enforcement efforts strong.
Voices from the Administration
Federal officials have consistently used strong words to explain the national policy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem put it directly: “President Trump and I have a clear message to those in our country illegally: LEAVE NOW. If you do not self-deport, we will hunt you down, arrest you and deport you.” This blunt messaging matches the mood driving much of the federal and state action in Florida.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan praised the teamwork during Operation Tidal Wave, describing it as “truly a collaborative whole-of-government effort.” She highlighted the risks ICE officers face and the types of individuals they are targeting, such as “dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives.”
Impact on Communities and Individuals
For many immigrant families in Florida, these more frequent ICE raids and strict rules mean living with deep fear and uncertainty. Some are afraid to seek help from police if they witness or suffer from a crime, worried it could lead to inquiries about their immigration status. Children may suddenly lose a parent or family member to detention and deportation.
Yet there are also Floridians who feel safer or more optimistic because of these programs, especially those who believe that strict enforcement helps reduce crime, protect jobs, or lower the costs of public services.
Employers and business groups sometimes struggle with the changes. They may face increased paperwork, new legal risks, and sudden worker shortages if employees are detained or deported. Schools and colleges must adjust to new rules about who may enroll, pay in-state tuition, or get support services.
Controversies and Different Points of View
As with any large set of policy changes, there are big debates. Supporters claim the increased ICE raids and policies like those seen in Operation Tidal Wave help cut down on crime, keep jobs for U.S. residents, and send a strong national message. They argue the laws are just using Florida’s right to protect its communities and resources.
But many community groups, legal advocates, and some business and religious leaders argue that the approach is too harsh. They are concerned about due process, the impact on children and families, and evidence showing that most undocumented immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than citizens. Others warn that deep fear within immigrant communities may lead to under-reporting of crime, less trust in law enforcement, and economic disruption.
For students, losing access to in-state tuition doesn’t just raise costs—it can put a college education entirely out of reach, making long-term upward mobility much harder.
Looking Ahead: Lasting Effects and Next Steps
With Florida now leading the nation in ICE-state partnerships and funding, and with tough new laws on the books, it’s likely that ICE raids like those seen in Operation Tidal Wave will continue to be frequent events. The pattern of joint enforcement activities by state and federal agencies has become, as officials put it, “the new normal.”
For those concerned about how these actions affect communities, advocacy groups advise learning your rights, having a safety plan for your family, and seeking legal advice if you have questions about your status or options. Employers should also stay informed about workplace requirements and rights to avoid sudden disruptions.
To stay up to date on enforcement data and the operation of partnerships like those in Florida, readers are encouraged to review official resources provided directly by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As the policy climate evolves, one thing is clear: Florida’s role in shaping immigration enforcement is stronger than ever, with ICE raids, large-scale operations like Operation Tidal Wave, and tough new laws now part of everyday reality for many across the state. Families, employers, and service providers will all feel the effects for years to come, underlining just how closely state and federal decisions are now tied together in the field of immigration.
Learn Today
Operation Tidal Wave → A major joint immigration enforcement operation in April 2025, resulting in 1,120 arrests across Florida within six days.
287(g) Program → A federal program letting local police perform certain immigration enforcement duties after ICE training, expanding state-level role.
Final Removal Order → A legal decision by an immigration judge mandating an individual’s deportation from the United States after all appeals.
State Board of Immigration Enforcement → A newly created Florida state agency overseeing local cooperation and policy for immigration law enforcement efforts.
At-large Arrests → Immigration enforcement actions conducted outside jails or detention, often in homes, workplaces, or public spaces.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida has quickly become the forefront of tough immigration enforcement, launching major operations like April’s Operation Tidal Wave and passing controversial new laws. With record-breaking ICE raids, expansive local-federal partnerships, and stricter penalties, the state has fundamentally changed daily realities for immigrants, families, employers, and communities statewide.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Ron DeSantis calls out Florida and GOP states on illegal immigration
• Florida Governor DeSantis addresses immigration enforcement in Tampa
• Florida Slams Immigrants With Tough Driver’s License Rules
• Florida National Guard Tapped as Immigration Judges
• Florida Launches State Deportation Flights With National Guard
