More than 800 migrants were apprehended in Florida during the initial days of Operation Marea Negra (Operation Tidal Wave in English), an extensive immigration control initiative driven by federal and state authorities.
According to information from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through its official account on X, in an unprecedented operation, ICE Miami agents, in coordination with state security agencies in Florida, carried out the arrests during the first four days of the operation.
Operation Black Tide represents an unprecedented collaboration between federal and state agencies to intensify the enforcement of immigration laws.
In its message, ICE emphasized the extraordinary support provided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and thanked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its commitment to public safety.
The operation, described as a "major multi-agency effort," aims to strengthen immigration control mechanisms and promote new partnerships between law enforcement agencies and federal authorities, in the context of the agreements under the 287(g) program.
So far, no specific details have been provided regarding the nationality of those detained or the procedures following the arrests.
ICE also shared the first images from the field to illustrate the extent of this operation, which it described as "highly successful."
Secretary Kristi Noem spoke on the social media platform X regarding Operation Black Tide, delivering a direct message to illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
"This is a warning to all criminal illegal immigrants: we are coming for you. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and our state partners will pursue, arrest, and deport you."
Noem concluded her message by reaffirming the authorities' commitment to these actions: "That is a promise."
Federal authorities launched a large-scale operation in Florida this week with the goal of detaining and deporting around 800 undocumented immigrants, marking the first coordinated immigration enforcement effort between the federal government and state police since the Trump administration took office.
The initiative, called Operation Black Tide, was launched on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and it was announced that it would continue until Saturday.
According to documents obtained by the Miami Herald, the operation targeted individuals with finalized deportation orders or criminal records in various areas of the state, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers.
The operation marks a significant shift in migration strategy, highlighting the growing collaboration between the DHS and law enforcement agencies in Florida.
Through the 287(g) program, an initiative that allows local police to take on limited functions of immigration agents, more than 230 law enforcement agencies in the state have signed agreements to participate, with Florida being the state with the most collaborations of this kind in the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Operation Black Tide in Florida
What is Operation Black Tide and what is its main objective?
The Black Tide Operation is a large-scale immigration control initiative in Florida, launched by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with state and federal agencies. Its primary goal is to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records or final deportation orders.
How many migrants have been detained so far in Operation Marea Negra?
During the first days of Operation Black Tide, over 800 migrants have been detained in Florida. This operation represents an unprecedented collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, aimed at strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws.
What is the 287(g) program and how is it related to Operation Black Tide?
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to take on limited functions of immigration agents. In the context of Operation Black Tide, this program has facilitated collaboration between ICE and over 230 law enforcement agencies in Florida to identify and detain undocumented immigrants.
What are the criticisms and concerns surrounding Operation Marea Negra?
The Black Tide Operation has raised concerns among immigrant rights advocates due to the lack of clarity in the selection criteria and the potential negative impact on community trust. Furthermore, the tactics employed during the operations have been deemed misleading by some organizations, which has heightened fear among migrant communities in Florida.
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