Federal crackdown nets over 900 in immigration enforcement sweep
In recent operations, federal agents have arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants. Approximately 800 were detained in Florida and 114 in Colorado.
The multi-day operation, codenamed "Tidal Wave," was carried out in Florida by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cooperation with state law enforcement 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 described the "Tidal Wave" operation as "highly successful" and "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 "a massive, multi-agency immigration enforcement crackdown."
"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.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, in an interview with ABC News, emphasised the importance of the operation: "It's one that not only we've been doing what we have, but we have surged all our federal partners together along with Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement [and] Removal Operations."
In Colorado Springs, the DEA Rocky Mountain division conducted a raid early Sunday morning (GMT) 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 confiscation 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 drawn weapons.
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 the club had been a hub for drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crime, with authorities seizing a number of firearms. He also pointed out that several soldiers were present at the club, either as clients or serving as armed guards.
The arrests come as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to enforce immigration regulations nationwide, fulfilling a key campaign promise. These actions face criticism from some immigrant rights groups, particularly regarding the deportations being carried out.
