The mass arrest of 780 individuals in Florida who were in the U.S. illegally was "just a preview of what's to come," according to Assistant Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
The four-day mass arrest operation known as Operation Tidal Wave involved utilizing ICE's 287(g) authority to deputize local law enforcement agencies to assist in arresting individuals in the country illegally.
McLaughlin told Fox News that the operation a "major success" and "just a preview of what's to come throughout the nation."
Of the 780 people picked up in the four-day sweep, 275 people had final orders of removal which means they can be deported quickly, ABC News reported.
"I think the main reason why this operation is significant is because it's the first of its kind," Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, told ABC News. "So this is one of the first large-scale missions we've done like this ever. We brought a 'whole the government' approach with cooperative jurisdictions that want to help ICE secure communities in neighborhoods and remove public safety threats from our neighborhoods."
Fox News reported that the individuals arrested included a convicted Colombian murderer, alleged MS-13 and 18th Street gang members and a Russian with an Interpol Red Notice for manslaughter.
WATCH: Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security @TriciaOhio tells Fox News' @kevincorke the arrest of 780 illegals in Florida was a "major success and this is just a preview of what's to come." pic.twitter.com/NJWbYsfSEr
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) April 26, 2025
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