DeSantis Says Over 1,100 Migrants Arrested In Florida Immigration Sweep: 'The Best Is Yet To Come'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on Thursday that "Operation Tidal Wave," a six-day immigration sweep carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), resulted in the arrest of over 1,100 migrants.

"We believe this is just the beginning," DeSantis said at a press conference. "The best is yet to come."

The Trump administration claimed that 63% of those arrested have a criminal record, while the others have final orders of removals. Most of those targeted come from Latin American countries.

The Miami Herald detailed that the operation was carried out along with local and state agencies, as well as the National Guard.

As part of the effort, Florida officers are working under the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions. ICE confirmed the operation in general terms to the Miami Herald, noting that it does not comment on active efforts for safety reasons: "the agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate."

Border czar Tom Homan has championed the expansion of such partnerships since Trump's return to the White House and Florida has emerged as a key partner, with 230 law enforcement agencies having entered into 287(g) agreements — the highest number in the country.

This expansion comes amid a broader push by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to align state immigration enforcement with federal directives. In February, Florida passed legislation requiring county jails to participate in 287(g), and while the law doesn't explicitly require city police departments to join, DeSantis has urged compliance under the state's sanctuary city ban.