Operation Tidal Wave Targets Illegals in Florida-Trump Team-Up

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Florida launches Operation Tidal Wave alongside the Trump administration, targeting 800 undocumented immigrants with final deportation orders across the state in an unprecedented collaboration between federal and local authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • Operation Tidal Wave involves more than 230 state and local law enforcement agencies working with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.
  • The initiative targets approximately 800 undocumented immigrants with final deportation orders, prioritizing those considered threats to communities.
  • The operation expands local police powers in immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program, with around 130 Florida agencies already participating.
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is implementing measures to streamline deportations as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy.
  • Legal challenges exist, including concerns about potential civil rights violations and racial profiling raised by immigrant advocacy groups.

Unprecedented Federal-State Cooperation

Florida has taken a bold step in immigration enforcement by partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to launch Operation Tidal Wave. This large-scale initiative targets undocumented immigrants who have received final deportation orders, representing one of the most extensive collaborations between federal and state authorities in recent years. With over 230 state and local law enforcement agencies participating, Florida has mobilized more agencies for this purpose than any other state, demonstrating Governor Ron DeSantis’s commitment to supporting President Trump’s immigration policies.

The operation covers significant territory across Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami, including major population centers such as Miami-Dade, Broward counties, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that individuals who have exhausted their legal options to remain in the country are removed efficiently. The Trump administration has prioritized streamlining the deportation process, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem implementing measures to revamp systems like the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

Targeting Final Deportation Orders

Operation Tidal Wave specifically focuses on approximately 800 undocumented immigrants who have already received final deportation orders from immigration courts. This approach ensures that the operation adheres to legal procedures while maximizing efficiency. The initiative prioritizes individuals deemed threats to communities, aligning with the administration’s focus on public safety. By targeting those who have already gone through the legal process, the operation aims to uphold the integrity of the immigration system.

“Operation Tidal Wave is not just about numbers; it’s about sending a message,” said the Trump administration.

The operation represents a significant expansion of local police powers in immigration enforcement. Through the 287(g) program, local law enforcement agencies can question, arrest, and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. Currently, around 130 Florida agencies are active under this program, with additional applications pending. This approach has been bolstered by a recent Supreme Court decision that strengthened the administration’s authority to conduct such operations, despite ongoing legal challenges from advocacy groups.

Legal Challenges and Community Concerns

While Operation Tidal Wave moves forward with strong support from both federal and state officials, it faces significant opposition from immigrant advocacy groups. The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) has voiced concerns about potential civil rights violations, racial profiling, and the possibility of arresting individuals with legal status or no criminal record. These concerns highlight the tension between enforcement priorities and civil liberties protections that often surrounds immigration operations of this scale.

“It’s shameful that something as sensitive as immigration enforcement has been turned into this type of whack-a-mole carnival game where human beings are the targets,” stated the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC).

The operation occurs amid legal tensions over a new Florida state law allowing the arrest of illegal immigrants, despite a federal judge’s order blocking such arrests. Local communities are also divided on participation in the 287(g) program. While Homestead has voted to join despite having a significant foreign-born population, the Miami City Council continues to debate whether to participate. Critics argue that deputizing local agencies for immigration enforcement diverts resources from public safety duties and could potentially exacerbate worker shortages in key industries.

Sources:

  1. Florida Teams Up with Trump Admin to Hit Illegal Aliens with Unprecedented ‘Operation Tidal Wave’
  2. Florida Police Are Joining ICE on Deportation Raids – Newsweek

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