In a seven-day sweep across Central Florida, federal immigration officials apprehended more than 400 undocumented immigrants, according to newly released figures. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) emphasized that the operation chiefly targeted individuals with prior criminal records or outstanding deportation orders.
The operation coordinated multiple agencies, including ICE (which led immigration enforcement), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP, responsible for border operations), the Florida Highway Patrol (statewide traffic enforcement), sheriffs’ offices from Polk and Brevard counties (local law enforcement), the Florida National Guard (providing logistical support), and other partners working under 287(g) agreements (local agencies with delegated immigration authority). Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the action effective in a statement reported by Newsweek. She said, “This was another successful operation to arrest the worst of the worst with our Florida state and local partners and can serve as a blueprint nationwide.”
The DHS noted the substantial growth of 287(g) agreements within Florida, now totaling 327, representing a 577% increase since January 2025. These agreements permit properly trained and certified local police agencies to support federal agents in locating and transferring individuals who fall under U.S. immigration enforcement. However, this surge in agreements has implications for local autonomy. By participating in the 287(g) program, local officers gain the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, but they also assume obligations that can divert local priorities and resources toward federal objectives. This can affect community relations as local law enforcement balances national responsibilities with local needs.
ICE cited specific arrests to highlight its focus on public safety. Juan Carlos Hernandez-Reyes, 48, a Mexican national, was detained under a reinstated deportation order; ICE reported his criminal record includes domestic violence, DUI, battery, and disorderly conduct. Additional individuals named by ICE were:
ICE detained Edgar Rivera-Salinas, 38 (Mexico), who had previously been deported and had documented offenses, including larceny, theft, and marijuana possession.
ICE apprehended Yoni Mendez-Lopez (Mexico) on charges including resisting arrest, battery, and assault on a law enforcement officer, driving without a valid license, and attempting to flee from police.
Mario Suarez-Maya was detained after multiple DUIs, three arrests for driving without a license, and the use of a false identity. ICE rescinded his immigration bond after a recent Florida Highway Patrol arrest. To contextualize, Florida has seen a significant rise in DUI-related incidents, with recent state statistics indicating a 25% increase in DUI arrests over the past year. This highlights that Suarez-Maya’s repeated offenses are part of a larger trend impacting road safety across the state.
Though ICE highlighted these cases, authorities have not released a full list of those arrested. Numerous cases remain under administrative or judicial review, and circumstances may evolve as legal proceedings progress.
Positioning the operation within a wider enforcement approach, Garrett Ripa, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami, stated: “The days of allowing illegal aliens to disregard our laws and pose a threat to our communities, our roads, and our economy are over.” He continued: “Many of these individuals illegally remained in Florida and have gone on to wreak havoc in our local neighborhoods. This weeklong joint 287(g) operation focused on targeting those threats to public safety. This successful operation is a testament to the 287(g) program and the great partnerships we have here in the state of Florida. Together, we are making Florida safe!”
According to ICE, arrested individuals face identity checks, possible reinstatement of removal orders, and, if needed, transfer to federal or contracted detention centers. Some individuals may petition for a bond before immigration judges, depending on their specific circumstances. Participating agencies outlined their workflow, which included finding individuals with administrative orders or criminal records, utilizing 287(g) partners for assistance and transfers, and coordinating with CBP and state patrol on traffic stops and arrests.
Officials have not disclosed detailed statistics by county, individual charges, or post-arrest status. Public releases highlight the total number (“more than 400”), illustrative case summaries, and deterrent language that the operation seeks to “target threats to public safety.” DHS depicts Florida, with 327 active 287(g) agreements, as the nation’s most committed state to the program, which mandates structured local-federal cooperation on immigration-related identification, notification, and transfer tasks.
Individuals apprehended during the operation will appear before appropriate authorities for status confirmation, bond consideration, potential case review, and transport to designated facilities. While officials have not announced timelines for similar operations, DHS’s description of the Central Florida action as “a blueprint nationwide” suggests the collaborative approach may recur in other areas.
Source: https://www.newsbreak.com/
