Over a ten-day initiative, state and federal law enforcement in Florida have apprehended hundreds of criminal undocumented immigrants, a significant number of whom are child sex offenders, as announced on Thursday.

Dubbed Operation Criminal Return, this effort commenced on October 25 and led to the capture of 230 undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds, including registered sex offenders. This operation was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“This operation highlights the commitment of President Trump and Secretary Noem to identify and deport dangerous criminal aliens from the U.S.,” stated ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Cities that provide sanctuary to these offenders obstruct justice and threaten the safety of their citizens.”

Referred to as Operation Dirtbag, the initiative zeroed in on child predators, rapists, and violent offenders among the undocumented community. These individuals have been convicted of serious crimes, including sexual assault of minors, rape, lewd behavior, child exploitation, battery, and attempted murder, according to a Department of Homeland Security press release.

The operation, which began on October 25, 2025, took place across the state of Florida.

Of the more than 230 criminal illegal immigrants arrested, 150 were sexual predators, DHS said.

The operation targeted sex offenders in the state of Florida, officials said. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement )

Sheahan praised the teamwork between ICE and Florida in removing criminal illegal immigrants.

Hundreds of criminal illegal aliens, many of whom are convicted child sex predators, have been arrested in a 10-day operation across Florida, state and federal law enforcement officials announced Thursday.

“Together, we send an unmistakable message: Criminal aliens who threaten our citizens and violate our laws will be removed and prevented from committing further heinous crimes,” she said.

This is a developing news story; check back for updates.