by Skyler ShepardMon, January 5, 2026 at 4:45 PMUpdated Mon, January 5, 2026 at 4:56 PMFlorida’s Operation “Tidal Wave” marks a historic milestone as the largest joint immigration enforcement initiative in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) history, resulting in over 10,400 arrests within eight months. Announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, the operation reflects Florida’s aggressive stance on immigration and its pioneering use of 287(g) agreements, which empower state officers with federal immigration authority. Launched in April 2025, the program targets individuals with final deportation orders and serious criminal records, with arrests spanning multiple countries, including Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Supported by federal agencies such as ICE, CBP, FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals, along with numerous Florida sheriff’s offices, the initiative emphasizes community safety, particularly protecting children from predators. Statewide prosecutors have vowed to impose strict sentences before deportation, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to robust immigration enforcement. (Gov. Ron DeSantis)SANDERSON, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s Operation "Tidal Wave" made history as the largest joint immigration enforcement effort in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) history, resulting in more than 10,400 arrests in just eight months, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday.The milestone underscores Florida’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement and its unprecedented partnership with federal authorities under the state’s first-in-the-nation 287(g) agreements. These agreements allow state officers to exercise immigration authority traditionally reserved for the federal government.“Since Operation 'Tidal Wave' launched eight months ago, Florida law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 10,400 illegal aliens and worked with federal partners to remove them from our state and country,” said Governor DeSantis. “This is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history, and we’re proud that it will continue here in Florida.”Attorney General James Uthmeier highlighted the operation’s focus on protecting vulnerable communities, saying many of those arrested were attempting to prey on children. "Rest assured, our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure these criminals do serious time behind bars before we send them back to where they came from,” Uthmeier said.See also: Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to scuttle Alligator Alcatraz access caseOperation "Tidal Wave" began in April 2025 and is the first program of its kind in the nation. By combining state and federal resources, the initiative has targeted individuals with final deportation orders and serious criminal records. The countries of origin for those arrested include:Guatemala (3,435)Mexico (3,331)Honduras (1,353)El Salvador (312)Venezuela (312)1,249 from other nationsFederal partners in the operation include ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Numerous Florida sheriff’s offices also played a critical role, including those in Indian River, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Hernando, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia counties.To report crimes or suspicious activity, call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).