Nearly 800 illegal immigrants, including MS-13 gang members and convicted murderers, have been swept up in a massive multi-agency operation in Florida, while two judges now face criminal charges for allegedly trying to shield illegal immigrants from authorities.
Quick Takes
- Operation Tidal Wave in Florida has arrested nearly 800 illegal immigrants in just four days, including gang members from MS-13 and 18th Street and individuals with violent criminal histories.
- All 67 Florida county sheriffs have partnered with ICE for this enforcement action, despite initial resistance from Fort Myers City Council that was later reversed.
- Notable arrests include a Colombian convicted of homicide, a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice, and a Honduran suspected terrorist and gang member.
- Two judges, including Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, have been charged with crimes related to hiding illegal immigrants from authorities.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned: “We’re coming for you… we will hunt you down, arrest and deport you.”
Major Multi-Agency Operation Targets Criminal Aliens Across Florida
A massive immigration enforcement operation is underway in Florida, with ICE Miami leading a coordinated effort that has already resulted in nearly 800 arrests in its first four days. Operation Tidal Wave represents an unprecedented collaboration between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, with all 67 Florida county sheriffs agreeing to partner with ICE. The operation specifically targets criminal illegal aliens, with authorities reporting the apprehension of gang members from MS-13 and 18th Street, as well as individuals with serious criminal convictions including murder, rape, and other violent offenses.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stern warning to those who might evade the operation. “This is a warning to all criminal illegal aliens: We’re coming for you, @DHSgov, @ICEgov, and our state partners will hunt you down, arrest and deport you. That’s a promise,” declared Noem. The operation has received strong backing from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who emphasized that “Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration − the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Operation Tidal Wave led to the arrest of over 780 illegal immigrants in Florida.pic.twitter.com/ZHhFR6FMzL
— DOGE News (@DOGE__news) April 27, 2025
Dangerous Criminals Removed from Communities
Among those apprehended are several high-profile criminals who had been residing illegally in the United States. Jose Sanchez Reyes, a Colombian national convicted of homicide, was arrested alongside Rafael Cabrera, a Guatemalan alleged MS-13 gang member with a felony reentry conviction. Authorities also detained Savva Klishchevskii, a Russian with an active Interpol Red Notice for vehicular manslaughter, and Aron Isaak Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran who is both a suspected terrorist and an alleged member of the notorious 18th Street gang.
“Almost 800 aliens including MS-13 gang members, including convicted murderers, rapists, all these people are now off our streets who have otherwise been acting with impunity and terrorizing U.S. communities. You are going to be seeing this throughout the country,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs.
Judges Charged with Harboring Illegal Immigrants
In a dramatic twist highlighting the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, two judges now face criminal charges for allegedly attempting to hide illegal immigrants from ICE. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been charged with obstruction and concealing an individual. Additionally, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife face evidence tampering charges for allegedly harboring a gang member, according to authorities.
Political Support and Opposition
The operation has received strong backing from state officials, though it has not been without controversy. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier strongly criticized the Fort Myers City Council for initially refusing to partner with ICE, calling their decision illegal. Naples Congressman Byron Donalds went further, suggesting that City Council members who opposed the ICE agreement should be removed from their positions. The Fort Myers City Council later reversed its decision and approved the partnership with federal authorities.
As Operation Tidal Wave continues, officials indicate this is just the beginning of a nationwide effort to target and remove criminal illegal aliens. Customs and Border Protection has provided what officials describe as “extraordinary support” for the operation, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and carrying out deportations of individuals deemed threats to public safety.
Sources:
‘Operation Tidal Wave’ brings almost 800 arrests in immigration crackdown in Florida
Nearly 800 illegal aliens arrested in massive Florida ICE operation: ‘Tidal Wave’
