More than 10,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Florida over the past eight months following the state’s expanded cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.
“This is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history, and we’re proud that it will continue here in Florida,” DeSantis said.
The governor said agreements signed under the federal 287(g) program have allowed state and local law enforcement agencies to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as federal partners including Customs and Border Protection and the FBI. These agreements authorize local officers to carry out certain immigration-related duties while on patrol and have enabled enforcement efforts in all 67 Florida counties.
According to DeSantis, more than 10,400 illegal immigrants have been detained since the launch of “Operation Tidal Wave” in April. He said 63% of those arrests were made as a result of the 287(g) agreements. The governor’s office reported that detainees include more than 3,400 individuals from Guatemala, about 3,300 from Mexico, and roughly 1,300 from Honduras.
The expansion of Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts comes as DeSantis is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender. In addition to immigration, his work on redistricting and artificial intelligence has fueled speculation that he is laying the groundwork for a future presidential campaign after his term as governor ends in 2027.
Speaking this week, DeSantis said the state is continuing to expand participation in the 287(g) program, including partnerships with agencies not traditionally involved in law enforcement.
“We also have had people in more non-law enforcement agencies, like the Department of Lottery — they have 287(g) agreements,” DeSantis said. “It’s pretty incredible that we’ve really gone that extensive and that deep.”
More than 300 law enforcement agencies in Florida are now part of the 287(g) network, out of roughly 600 nationwide. ICE has said Florida has “set the standard,” noting that the number of agreements in the state has increased by nearly 600% since the beginning of 2025.
The 287(g) program has drawn significant criticism, with opponents arguing it diverts local law enforcement resources and pushes police into carrying out federal immigration policies. Critics also raise concerns about racial profiling and community trust.
Last month, three House Democrats reintroduced legislation aimed at ending the 287(g) program.
“For too long, the 287(g) program has drained local resources, fueled racial profiling, and made communities less safe — and it’s time we end it,” Rep. Sarah McBride said in a statement supporting the bill. “The PROTECT Immigration Act makes clear that immigration enforcement belongs with trained federal authorities, ensuring local law enforcement can focus on keeping our communities safe.”
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