Nearly 800 illegal immigrants, including convicted killers, suspected terrorists, and gang members, were arrested in Florida during a four-day immigration crackdown known as Operation Tidal Wave.
Quick Takes
- Operation Tidal Wave, led by ICE Miami with state and federal support, resulted in almost 800 arrests across Florida.
- High-profile captures included a Colombian murderer, MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian wanted by Interpol.
- All 67 Florida county sheriffs partnered with ICE for this operation, demonstrating unprecedented state-federal cooperation.
- Two judges were arrested for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants from authorities, adding a controversial legal dimension.
- Homeland Security officials described the operation as a “major success” with similar enforcement actions planned nationwide.
Massive Multi-Agency Enforcement Operation
Operation Tidal Wave represents one of the largest coordinated immigration enforcement actions in Florida’s history, resulting in the arrest of nearly 800 illegal immigrants in just four days. The collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), state agencies, and all 67 Florida county sheriff’s offices demonstrates an unprecedented level of cooperation between federal and local authorities. The operation specifically targeted criminal aliens, removing dangerous individuals from communities throughout the state in a demonstration of renewed immigration enforcement.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the operation as evidence of his administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws that the federal government had previously been reluctant to pursue. The governor has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration policies and has implemented several state-level measures to address illegal immigration, including the controversial transport of migrants from the southern border to northern states and sanctuary cities.
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
Dangerous Criminals Removed From Communities
Among those arrested during Operation Tidal Wave were several high-profile criminal aliens who posed significant threats to public safety. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian national convicted of homicide, was apprehended alongside Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged to be an MS-13 gang member with a previous felony reentry conviction. Authorities also arrested Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian national subject to an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter, demonstrating the international scope of the enforcement action.
Perhaps most alarming was the capture of Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran described by authorities as both a suspected terrorist and a member of the notoriously violent 18th Street gang. These arrests highlight the enforcement focus on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds who entered the country illegally and continued their criminal activities on American soil. Officials emphasized that these removals directly enhance community safety.
Legal System Controversy
In a development that has sparked significant debate, two judges were arrested during the operation for allegedly concealing illegal immigrants from ICE authorities. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan faces charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from federal immigration officials. Additionally, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife were charged with evidence tampering for allegedly harboring a gang member.
These arrests of judicial officials raise significant questions about the intersection of law enforcement and the judiciary in immigration matters. The charges suggest that some judicial figures may have been actively working to undermine federal immigration enforcement efforts. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has been vocal about ensuring cooperation with federal authorities, criticizing the Fort Myers City Council for initially refusing to partner with ICE before they eventually reversed their decision.
Continued Enforcement Planned
Officials from both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have indicated that Operation Tidal Wave represents just the beginning of a renewed focus on immigration enforcement. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as a “major success” and stated that similar actions are planned throughout the country. The operation aligns with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies that emphasized deportation of illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds.
While the operation has been celebrated by supporters of stricter immigration enforcement, it has raised concerns among immigrant advocacy groups. A separate legal challenge has emerged in New Hampshire, where a lawsuit seeks to prevent federal immigration officials from revoking the legal status of students in New England and Puerto Rico. As Operation Tidal Wave continues, both supporters and critics are closely watching its implementation and the broader implications for immigration policy nationwide.
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‘Operation Tidal Wave’ brings almost 800 arrests in immigration crackdown in Florida
Nearly 800 illegal aliens arrested in massive Florida ICE operation: ‘Tidal Wave’
