Gov. DeSantis announces 25,000 immigration arrests across Florida

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that Florida law enforcement agencies have made more than 25,000 immigration-related arrests since the state expanded its 287(g) immigration enforcement efforts in early 2025.

DeSantis made the announcement during a press conference in Davie, where he highlighted three additional operations focused on immigration enforcement and public safety.

According to state officials, Operation Sandhill Sentinel brought together local, state and federal agencies to arrest hundreds of people in South Florida and process them for deportation. Officials said the operation targeted repeat immigration violators and individuals accused of crimes including drug trafficking, domestic violence and assault.

Operation Locate, a Department of Homeland Security and Florida Department of Law Enforcement initiative, has verified the locations of unaccompanied minors who arrived during the Biden administration, according to officials. Authorities said the operation also uncovered potential human trafficking cases.

Officials said Operation Criminal Return, a partnership between FDLE and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting undocumented immigrant sex offenders, resulted in more than 230 arrests in 10 days.

State officials also said Florida now has more 287(g) task force officers than any other state, allowing closer coordination between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.

According to the state, Florida Highway Patrol troopers were responsible for more than 10,000 of the arrests announced so far. Officials said the enforcement operations will continue across the state.