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The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol, has arrested 15 individuals with criminal records during a strategic enforcement operation in Key Largo.
This initiative, known as “Operation Tidal Wave,” was executed on March 9 by the FHP’s Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT) alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities have reported that all 15 individuals had previous criminal records. These included charges or convictions for offenses such as battery, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, burglary, theft, home invasion, aggravated battery, firearm violations, and obstruction of justice. In addition, several had previously been deported or had failed to appear in court.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is at the forefront when it comes to apprehending illegal immigrants with a history of violent crimes, whether committed locally or abroad,” remarked Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in a statement. “Our Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT), in partnership with federal agencies, is conducting targeted and coordinated operations to ensure these criminal elements are removed from our communities. This is a testament to accountability in action, and Florida will continue to take decisive measures to safeguard our citizens.”
The coordinated effort between the Florida Highway Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol led to the March 9 arrests of these individuals in Key Largo, Florida.
Authorities said in a Thursday announcement that those arrested were nationals of Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala and were unlawfully present in the United States.
According to FHP, the agency has apprehended more than 9,000 Illegal immigrants since March 2025 through the federal 287(g) program, including more than 1,600 with prior criminal histories.
Florida Highway Patrol officers have been empowered to enforce federal immigration law in partnership with federal agents. (St. Augustine Police Department)
The FLHSMV wrote it is committed to securing its states streets and communities.
“This operation underscores Florida’s continued commitment to protecting its communities from individuals who engage in criminal activity and violate U.S. immigration law,” it said in a Thursday press release. “Through coordinated efforts like Operation Tidal Wave, state and federal partners are working proactively to identify threats, uphold public safety, and ensure that those who repeatedly disregard the law are held accountable and removed off our streets.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been one of the nation’s leading governors in encouraging state and local cooperation with federal immigration and customs and border patrol officials. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
“Border security is a whole-of-government effort, and the success of our mission depends on strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol,” acting Miami Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs wrote in a statement after last week’s arrests.
“Our partners are vital to our operations and serve as a force multiplier, enabling us to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, protect our communities, and uphold the security of our nation’s borders.”