A coordinated 10-day operation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida law enforcement led to the arrest of 230 undocumented immigrants with criminal records, including individuals convicted of sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and homicide.
Federal and state officials announced the large-scale enforcement effort, emphasizing their focus on individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security. According to ICE, the operation targeted fugitives and repeat offenders across multiple Florida counties.
Authorities said those taken into custody included nationals from more than a dozen countries. Many had prior convictions for serious crimes such as violent assault, child exploitation, domestic abuse, and murder. Several suspects had previously been deported but illegally re-entered the United States, violating federal immigration laws.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and ICE representatives praised the collaboration between state and federal agencies, noting that the arrests demonstrate a commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting communities. Officials confirmed that some of the detainees face pending criminal charges in addition to immigration proceedings.
ICE stated that similar enforcement actions are planned in other regions to locate and remove individuals with criminal records who are unlawfully residing in the U.S. The agency reaffirmed its policy to prioritize the arrest and deportation of noncitizens who have committed serious offenses or repeatedly defied immigration laws.
