Mon Apr 28 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Florida’s Massive Immigration Crackdown Nets Nearly 800 Arrests
**TALLAHASSEE, FL** – A joint state and federal operation in Florida resulted in the arrest of nearly 800 individuals over four days, according to a Saturday announcement by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency hailed the operation as a “highly successful” and unprecedented partnership between state and federal law enforcement.
The arrests, part of a wider crackdown on illegal immigration under the Trump administration, have drawn both praise and condemnation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the operation as a significant achievement in immigration enforcement and deportation, emphasizing Florida’s proactive collaboration with federal authorities. He cited the state’s active participation in the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist ICE in immigration enforcement.
However, critics like Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition denounced the operation, arguing it terrorizes undocumented immigrants and burdens local police departments with responsibilities beyond their core duties. He expressed concern that the arrests are intended to create fear and encourage self-deportation, potentially leading to worker shortages and decreased community safety.
The operation comes amidst a broader federal effort to prosecute state and local officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Recent arrests of a Milwaukee County judge and a New Mexico magistrate judge underscore the Trump administration’s aggressive approach. The arrests highlight the contentious political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement, with local governments often caught between state mandates and concerns about their community’s well-being. While many Florida agencies have entered into collaboration agreements with ICE, some local officials have expressed opposition, citing ethical concerns and the potential for negative impacts on their communities. The details of those arrested, their legal status, and the precise scope of the operation remain unclear. CNN has reached out to ICE for further clarification.
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