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A joint operation led by the Miami Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from CBP and state and local agencies, resulted in over 400 undocumented immigrants arrested between September 22 and September 26, 2025, focusing on individuals with outstanding warrants or subject to deportation.
The operation was described by the Department of Homeland Security as a replicable model at the national level. It focused on the “worst of the worst” and was supported by partners from the 287(g) program, including the Florida Highway Patrol, the sheriff's offices of Polk and Brevard Counties, the Florida National Guard, and other entities.
According to the official report, among those detained there are convicted or accused of lewd conduct, assaults, domestic violence, prostitution, vehicle theft, hit and run, and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the operation “eliminated an immediate threat to public safety” and encouraged more law enforcement agencies to join this coordinated approach.
Among the highlighted cases mentioned by ICE are:
- Walther Ramiro Hernández-Ortiz (Honduras): arrested for lewd and obscene conduct and assault.
- Juan Carlos Hernández-Reyes (Mexico): convicted of domestic violence and prostitution; has a history of assault and disorderly conduct.
- Edgar Rivera-Salinas (Mexico): convicted of vehicle theft, possession of marijuana, evading arrest, and illegal entry.
- Efraín Santos-Palacios (Mexico): arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and fleeing the scene.
- Ubaldino Hernández-Hernández (Mexico): charges for hit and run, reckless driving, operating without a license (three charges), and violation of parole.
- Weder Teixeira Basto (Brazil): sentenced for driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Mario Suárez-Maya (Mexico): arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, four charges for driving without a license, and giving a false name to the police.
- Yoni Méndez-López (Mexico): arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting and assaulting/threatening an officer, not having a license, and fleeing from the police with lights and sirens activated.
Context and scope
Florida leads the nation in 287(g) agreements with 327 active partnerships, a 577% increase since January 20, 2025, according to data included in the operation report.
The detainees were placed in the custody of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for the processing of their deportation proceedings, in accordance with federal priority criteria.
Florida sheriffs to strengthen their role in immigration enforcement, in coordination with the government of President Donald Trump, through technological equipment, bonuses for officers, and improvements to temporary detention capacity.
The applications, submitted to the State Immigration Law Enforcement Board —composed of Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia— were evaluated this Tuesday.
This is the first disbursement of funds allocated during a special legislative session held in February.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ICE Mega Operation in Florida
How many undocumented immigrants were arrested during the ICE mega-operation in Florida?
More than 400 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a joint operation led by the Miami Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between September 22 and September 26, 2025. The operation focused on individuals with pending orders or those subject to deportation and was described as a replicable model at the national level.
What were the profiles of those arrested in the ICE operation in Florida?
Among those detained were individuals convicted or accused of various crimes, including lewd conduct, assaults, domestic violence, prostitution, vehicle theft, hit and run, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The operation focused on the "worst of the worst", according to the Department of Homeland Security.
What role do 287(g) associations play in ICE operations in Florida?
Florida leads the nation in 287(g) partnerships with 327 active agreements, allowing state and local authorities to act as immigration agents in collaboration with ICE. These agreements have facilitated large-scale operations such as the recent one in Florida, significantly increasing the number of detentions of undocumented immigrants in the state.
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