Operation tidal wave: Hundreds detained in immigration crackdown
In operations conducted recently, federal agents have arrested hundreds of undocumented immigrants. About 800 were detained in Florida, while 114 were detained in Colorado.
The multi-day operation, codenamed "Tidal Wave," was carried out in Florida by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cooperation with state law enforcement, aiming to enforce immigration regulations. Meanwhile, in Colorado Springs, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the arrest of 114 immigrants, who are "likely facing final deportation".
According to reports from the portal "The Hill," ICE assessed the "Tidal Wave" operation as "highly successful" and an "a first-of-its-kind partnership between state and federal partners." In the first four days, it led to the detention of nearly 800 people.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the joint action, describing it as "an example of the state's collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to achieve significant results in immigration law enforcement and deportation."
Florida is leading the nation in active cooperation with the Trump administration for immigration enforcement and deportation operations! – stated DeSantis.
The ICE 287(g) program allows the agency to delegate local law enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration law.
Todd Lyons, the Acting ICE Director, stressed that their efforts extended beyond initial measures, as they engaged support from multiple federal agencies to enhance the operation.
In Colorado Springs, the DEA Rocky Mountain division conducted a raid early Sunday morning, on an "illegal nightclub," detaining 114 immigrants who, according to authorities, are in the country illegally.
The DEA noted that the "law enforcement operation" also led to the seizure of drugs and weapons.
As reported by public radio NPR, video footage released by the agency shows officers breaking the venue's glass. Some officers were holding firearms.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the club was "frequented by terrorists," likely referring to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has become a target of the Trump administration's deportation actions.
DEA Special Agent Jonathan Pullen stated that multiple criminal activities occurred at the nightclub, such as drug trafficking, prostitution, and acts of violence. He also mentioned that some military personnel were present at the venue, either as customers or serving as armed security.
The arrests come as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to enforce immigration regulations nationwide, fulfilling a key campaign promise. These actions have faced criticism from some immigrant rights groups, particularly concerning the deportations being carried out.
