Ron DeSantis Says Florida Arrested Over 10,400 Illegal Aliens in Statewide Crackdown

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Florida law enforcement has arrested more than 10,400 illegal aliens since launching a statewide immigration enforcement initiative last year in coordination with federal authorities, as reported by Fox News.

Speaking during a news conference, DeSantis said the arrests stem from “Operation Tidal Wave,” a joint effort between Florida and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that began in April 2025. The operation is described by state officials as the largest cooperative immigration enforcement action in ICE’s history.

“In April 2025, Florida partnered with federal law enforcement in the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history: Operation Tidal Wave,” DeSantis wrote in a post on X.

“Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our communities: Florida law enforcement have arrested more than 10,400 illegal immigrants across the state.”

In April 2025, Florida partnered with federal law enforcement in the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history: Operation Tidal Wave.

Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our… pic.twitter.com/X1vVafbMrN

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 5, 2026

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State officials said the initiative involves coordinated enforcement actions across Florida aimed at identifying and arresting illegal aliens already in custody or encountered during routine law enforcement operations.

DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a central priority of his administration, repeatedly emphasizing cooperation with federal authorities under President Donald Trump.

In September, DeSantis appeared in Tallahassee alongside ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan and other officials to announce a major infusion of federal funding to expand Florida’s enforcement capacity.

According to Sheahan, Florida is receiving $28 million in federal funds, with an additional $10 million allocated directly to local law enforcement agencies.

The funding is part of a broader $1.7 billion national distribution authorized under President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

ICE said the funds are designated to support both transportation and equipment needs for participating agencies.

Of the total, $2.7 million is earmarked for transportation support for local law enforcement agencies, while $7.3 million will be used to purchase equipment for 974 local officers.

At the state level, $1 million is allocated for transportation costs, and $27.5 million is designated for equipment benefiting 3,676 state law enforcement officers.

The funding supports Florida’s extensive participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained state and local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions.

ICE officials said Florida currently has 325 active 287(g) agreements, more than any other state, and described Florida as having “set the standard” nationwide for participation in the program.

DeSantis has also issued warnings against interference with immigration enforcement operations in the state. During remarks in September, he made clear that threats or attacks against ICE agents would be met with swift consequences.

“Florida is not Portland,” DeSantis said.

“If you think you can go and launch attacks against ICE agents in this state, you’ve got another thing coming. We will hold you accountable very swiftly and very severely.”

State officials said Operation Tidal Wave remains ongoing, with additional enforcement actions expected as federal and state partnerships continue.

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