A massive ICE operation in Florida has apprehended nearly 800 illegal immigrants, including convicted murderers and gang members, while two judges face charges for allegedly harboring criminals from immigration authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Tidal Wave, a multi-agency effort in Florida, has resulted in the arrest of nearly 800 illegal immigrants including dangerous criminals in just four days.
- All 67 Florida county sheriffs partnered with ICE for this unprecedented state-federal collaboration focused on removing criminal aliens.
- High-profile arrests include a Colombian murderer, MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice.
- Two judges were charged with obstruction for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants from ICE authorities.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued direct warnings to criminal illegal aliens: “We will hunt you down, arrest and deport you.”
Major Multi-Agency Enforcement Operation Takes Down Hundreds
In a sweeping immigration enforcement operation dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” ICE Miami and Florida law enforcement agencies have apprehended nearly 800 illegal immigrants during the initiative’s first four days. The operation represents an unprecedented partnership between federal immigration authorities and all 67 Florida county sheriffs, targeting criminal aliens who have been living in American communities. Homeland Security officials have characterized the operation as just the beginning of a nationwide effort to remove illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the collaboration, stating, “Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration − the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly.” The governor’s firm stance reflects the operation’s significance as a model for future enforcement actions throughout the country, with DeSantis highlighting it as “an example of FL and DHS partnering to deliver big results on immigration enforcement and deportations.”
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
High-Profile Criminal Arrests Include Gang Members and Wanted Fugitives
Among those captured in the operation were several dangerous criminals who had been living illegally in the United States. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian previously convicted of homicide, was apprehended along with Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged MS-13 gang member with a felony reentry conviction. Immigration authorities also arrested Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian subject to an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter, and Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran suspected terrorist and 18th Street gang member.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stern warning following the operation’s initial success. “This is a warning to all criminal illegal aliens: We’re coming for you, DHS, ICE, and our state partners will hunt you down, arrest and deport you. That’s a promise,” threatened Noem. The operation received significant support from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), highlighting the comprehensive approach being taken to address immigration violations.
Judges Charged with Protecting Illegal Immigrants from Law Enforcement
In a significant development related to immigration enforcement, two judges now face serious charges for allegedly shielding illegal immigrants from ICE authorities. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been charged with obstruction and concealing an individual from immigration officials. In a separate case, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife were charged with evidence tampering for allegedly harboring a gang member wanted by authorities.
The charges against judicial officials underscores the administration’s commitment to removing obstacles to immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, some local governments initially resisted cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The Fort Myers City Council initially voted against partnering with ICE, prompting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to condemn the decision as illegal. The council subsequently reversed course and approved the partnership, though not without triggering calls from Congressman Byron Donalds that council members who opposed the ICE agreement should be removed from their positions.
National Immigration Strategy Takes Shape
Operation Tidal Wave represents a significant step in the implementation of broader immigration enforcement policies advocated during President Trump’s administration. Officials indicate that similar operations are planned across the country as part of a national mass deportation initiative. The collaborative model demonstrated in Florida, with state and local authorities working alongside federal immigration agencies, provides a template for future enforcement actions.
While the Florida operation continues to make headlines for its success, legal challenges to immigration enforcement are emerging elsewhere. A new lawsuit filed in New Hampshire seeks to prevent federal immigration officials from revoking the legal status of students in New England and Puerto Rico, highlighting the ongoing tensions between enforcement priorities and immigrant advocacy. As Operation Tidal Wave continues, immigration officials have indicated that the first four days represent only the beginning of a comprehensive effort to remove illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds from American communities.
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’
