Florida’s Operation Tidal Wave has swept up nearly 800 illegal immigrants in its first four days, including a Colombian murderer, MS-13 gang members, and a Russian fugitive with an Interpol Red Notice.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Tidal Wave, a collaboration between ICE and Florida law enforcement agencies, has arrested nearly 800 illegal immigrants in just four days.
- High-profile captures include a convicted Colombian murderer, suspected MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice.
- All 67 Florida county sheriffs have partnered with ICE for this unprecedented state-federal immigration enforcement operation.
- Two judges were arrested for allegedly harboring illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
- Homeland Security officials have warned that similar operations will be conducted throughout the country.
Unprecedented State and Federal Partnership
In a massive immigration enforcement crackdown, ICE Miami and Florida law enforcement agencies have detained nearly 800 illegal immigrants during the first four days of Operation Tidal Wave. The operation represents an unprecedented partnership between federal immigration authorities and state agencies, with all 67 Florida county sheriffs agreeing to participate. This coordinated effort signals a major shift in immigration enforcement strategy, bringing together resources from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and local law enforcement to target illegal immigrants with criminal histories.
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the operation as a successful example of state and federal collaboration, stating, “Operation Tidal Wave is an example of FL and DHS partnering to deliver big results on immigration enforcement and deportations. Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration − the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly.”
NEW: @FoxNews has obtained some of the ICE arrests from Operation Tidal Wave, a massive operation in FL w/ ICE & FL law enforcement partnering to make 800 arrests in 4 days this week, including a Colombian murderer, MS-13 & 18th Street members, & a Russian w/ Interpol Red Notice… pic.twitter.com/QqSsAuJcAx
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 26, 2025
Dangerous Criminals Removed from Communities
Among those apprehended were several high-profile criminals who had been living in the United States illegally. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian national convicted of homicide, was arrested along with Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged MS-13 gang member with a previous felony reentry conviction. Authorities also detained Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter, and Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran suspected terrorist and 18th Street gang member. These arrests underscore the operation’s focus on removing dangerous individuals from American communities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the operation’s focus on criminal aliens, issuing a stark warning. “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. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as a “major success” and indicated that similar operations are planned for other states.
Judicial Opposition and Legal Challenges
The enforcement operation has not been without controversy. In Fort Myers, the City Council initially refused to partner with ICE, prompting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to call the decision illegal. Naples Congressman Byron Donalds suggested that City Council members who opposed the ICE agreement should be removed from office. The council later reversed its decision and approved the partnership. Additionally, two judges were arrested for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants from ICE, including Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, charged with obstruction, and former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, charged with evidence tampering for allegedly harboring a gang member.
Meanwhile, a new lawsuit in New Hampshire seeks to prevent federal immigration officials from revoking the legal status of students in New England and Puerto Rico, highlighting the broader legal battles surrounding immigration enforcement. Operation Tidal Wave is ongoing, with Florida continuing to work with ICE to support mass deportation efforts. Officials credited Customs and Border Protection with providing “extraordinary support” for the operation, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this enforcement action.
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’
