Florida’s massive immigration sweep arrests nearly 800 unauthorized migrants, including convicted killers, gang members, and a Russian fugitive with an international warrant.
Key Insights
- Operation Tidal Wave, a joint federal-state effort led by ICE Miami, resulted in nearly 800 arrests across Florida in just four days.
- High-profile captures include a Colombian murderer, suspected MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian national with an Interpol Red Notice.
- All 67 Florida county sheriffs partnered with ICE for this unprecedented immigration enforcement operation.
- Two judges face serious charges for allegedly hiding illegal immigrants from authorities.
- Officials describe the operation as ongoing, with similar enforcement actions planned nationwide.
Major Multi-Agency Immigration Crackdown Sweeps Florida
In an unprecedented partnership between federal and state authorities, nearly 800 unauthorized immigrants have been arrested across Florida during a four-day immigration enforcement operation. Dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” the massive sweep represents one of the largest coordinated immigration enforcement actions in recent years. Led by ICE Miami and supported by all 67 Florida county sheriffs, the operation specifically targeted individuals with criminal backgrounds and gang affiliations who were in the country illegally.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivered a stern message following the arrests. “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,” declared Noem.
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 American Streets
Among those apprehended were several high-profile fugitives and violent criminals. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian national previously convicted of homicide, was among those taken into custody. Authorities also arrested Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged to be an MS-13 gang member with a previous felony reentry conviction. In another significant capture, law enforcement apprehended Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian subject to an Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter charges in his home country.
Perhaps most alarmingly, the list of those arrested includes Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran described by authorities as both a suspected terrorist and a member of the notorious 18th Street gang. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided what officials called “extraordinary support” for the operation, highlighting the coordinated approach between multiple federal agencies alongside state and local law enforcement.
Judicial Corruption Allegations Emerge
In a shocking development connected to immigration enforcement, two judges face serious charges related to allegedly harboring illegal immigrants. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been charged with obstruction and concealing an individual from authorities. Similarly, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife are facing evidence tampering charges for allegedly sheltering a gang member from immigration officials.
Florida’s cooperation with federal authorities wasn’t without local controversy. The Fort Myers City Council initially refused to partner with ICE, a stance that drew sharp criticism from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who called the refusal illegal. Naples Congressman Byron Donalds went further, suggesting council members opposing the ICE agreement should be removed from office. The council later reversed course and approved the partnership.
Model for National Immigration Enforcement
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation as a successful example of state-federal collaboration on immigration enforcement. “Operation Tidal Wave is an example of FL and DHS partnering to deliver big results on immigration enforcement and deportations,” DeSantis stated on social media. Officials have confirmed that Operation Tidal Wave is ongoing and represents just the beginning of a broader enforcement initiative.
The success of the Florida operation may serve as a template for similar actions across the country. Assistant Secretary McLaughlin indicated that Americans should expect to see comparable enforcement operations implemented nationwide as part of a strategic push to address illegal immigration concerns, particularly focusing on those with criminal backgrounds. Customs and Border Protection continues to provide resources and support for these enforcement actions.
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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’
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