Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently shared that the state has arrested over 10,000 illegal immigrants since launching a crackdown last year. During a press conference on Monday, he stated that under Operation Tidal Wave, about 10,400 individuals have been removed from Florida since April 2025.
“In April 2025, Florida collaborated with federal law enforcement for Operation Tidal Wave, which is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history,” DeSantis mentioned on X. He expressed pride in reaching this milestone in their efforts to address illegal immigration and restore community order.
In September, ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheehan, among other officials, disclosed that Florida would receive significant funding for immigration enforcement, totaling tens of millions of dollars. This package includes $28 million, with another $10 million earmarked for local law enforcement.
Sheehan explained that this funding is part of a broader $1.7 billion allocation nationwide under President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Act.” Specifically, $2.7 million will cover transportation costs for local agencies, while $7.3 million will be used to provide equipment to 974 local police officers. Additionally, at the state level, $1 million is set aside for transportation and $27.5 million for equipment benefiting 3,676 state employees.
Through the 287(g) Initiative, state and local law enforcement are empowered to assist in immigration-related activities. According to ICE, Florida has established 325 agreements, which is considered a benchmark for 287(g) partnerships across the country.
DeSantis has made it clear that attacks or intimidation against ICE agents will not be tolerated in Florida. “Florida is not Portland,” he asserted in September, warning that those who might think of targeting ICE officers would face swift consequences.
