DeSantis announces Florida arrested 10,400 illegal immigrants in 'Operation Tidal Wave'

DeSantis made the announcement during a Monday news conference, declaring that "Operation Tidal Wave" led to the removal of 10,400 illegal immigrants from Florida since April 2025.

"Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our communities: Florida law enforcement have arrested more than 10,400 illegal immigrants across the state," he added.

According to ICE, $2.7 million of the funding will support transportation for local agencies, while $7.3 million will provide equipment for 974 local officers. At the state level, $1 million is allocated for transportation and $27.5 million for equipment benefiting 3,676 state officers.

"Florida is not Portland," DeSantis said in September. "If you think you can go and launch attacks against ICE agents in this state, you've got another thing coming. We will hold you accountable very swiftly and very severely."