A 10-day federal operation targeting violent offenders in Florida resulted in the arrest of more than 230 undocumented immigrants, including 150 accused sexual predators, officials announced Thursday in South Florida.
DHS said the initiative focused on “child predators, rapists and violent criminal illegal aliens” with convictions for crimes such as sexual assault of minors, rape, lewd and lascivious conduct, child exploitation, battery and attempted homicide. The operation began on Oct. 25.
According to ICE, those arrested came from countries including Cuba, Venezuela and Ukraine.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described the sweep as “Operation Dirtbag,” saying the individuals targeted had committed violent offenses against children. “These 150 illegal aliens will be gone and off our streets,” she said, adding that the partnership with Gov. Ron DeSantis serves as a model for nationwide enforcement.
The effort was part of Florida’s 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist ICE in immigration operations.
Gov. DeSantis said Florida continues to lead the nation in combating illegal immigration. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass echoed that view, noting that those arrested included “some of the worst child molesters, rapists, murderers [and] convicted criminals” who had been living in communities across the state.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan praised the collaboration, highlighting that more than 230 men were removed from the streets in just 10 days.
ICE said the arrests included:
-
54 classified sexual predators
-
164 sexual offenders
-
2 convicted murderers
All had prior criminal convictions and had already completed their sentences. Federal officials said many violated post-release conditions, including failing to update their addresses or failing to leave the country as ordered.
While authorities celebrated the operation, immigrant advocacy groups raised concerns. Members of the American Friends Service Committee held a prayer vigil outside the Miami immigration court, arguing the arrests unfairly stigmatize immigrant communities. Advocate Yarelys Mendoza accused state leaders of using “a few people as scapegoats” and criticized what she described as harsh treatment of immigrant families.
Activists urged officials to acknowledge immigrants’ contributions and protect families who feel increasingly targeted.
ICE officials defended the operation, stating that all individuals taken into custody had been ordered to leave the U.S. and were not complying with federal requirements..
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Leave a Reply