U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida announced the arrests of more than 1,100 illegal immigrants Thursday as part of Operation Tidal Wave, which a top official said is the “most single arrests done by a state in a single week that ICE has ever had.” 

The recent crackdown included the capture of a “Brazilian national that has a history of aggravated assault,” a Mexican national “whose history includes kidnapping” and “Colombian nationals who were convicted of murder,” according to ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. 

“This operation really is a historic marker of success that was made possible because of the partnership with the state of Florida,” Sheahan said. “Together, we were able to conduct over 1,100 arrests and remove several violent gang members from the communities here in Florida. Operation Tidal Wave is truly a first of its kind operation, utilizing 287(g) resources, integrating with the state and local law enforcement to assist in the day-to-day ICE mission.” 

ICE describes the 287(g) program as one that allows local law enforcement agencies to “enforce certain aspects of U.S. immigration law.” 

Operation Tidal Wave unfolded in Florida last week, according to ICE. (ICE)

“Florida state agencies assisted federal authorities, to arrest over 1,100 illegal aliens across the state. That is a really significant impact,” the Republican continued. “And we’re demonstrating why we’re going to continue to lead on this issue. And you see some of the people that were arrested, these are people that should have never been in our country. Some of these people have been previously deported.” 

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference on immigration enforcement at Homestead Air Force Base, on Feb. 26, in Homestead, Florida. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)

“It sends the message going forward, United States of America is serious about enforcing its immigration laws,” DeSantis also said. “So whereas under the previous president, you could pay coyotes and come to the border knowing that you’d be home free once you got there, there’s a new sheriff in town – that is not going to be permitted.”