State and local law enforcement agencies have released new data regarding a massive immigration enforcement initiative known as Operation Tidal Wave, confirming that Indian River County played an active role in the statewide crackdown. On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the results of what they are calling the largest partnership in ICE history, which has resulted in over 10,400 arrests across Florida.
Locally, the operation has had a direct impact on the Treasure Coast. Data provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement indicates that between August 1, 2025, and January 6, 2026, there were 40 immigration encounters in Indian River County tied specifically to this enforcement effort.
The local breakdown of these encounters highlights the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and state agencies:
- 14 arrests were made by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
- 24 arrests were conducted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
- 1 arrest was carried out by the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division.
This multi-agency effort is part of a broader strategy utilizing the 287(g) program, which empowers trained state and local officers to perform specific federal immigration enforcement duties. Indian River was listed as one of 13 specific counties where the operation spanned, joining other areas such as Brevard, Orange, and Volusia counties.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the scale of the operation during a press conference alongside ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan. The officials noted that a significant portion of the enforcement focused on individuals with existing criminal records. According to state data, approximately 63% of those arrested statewide had prior criminal histories.
In April 2025, Florida partnered with federal law enforcement in the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history: Operation Tidal Wave. Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our communities.
The demographics of those arrested during the statewide sweep included individuals primarily from Central and South America. The top countries of origin reported were:
- Guatemala: 3,435
- Mexico: 3,331
- Honduras: 1,353
- El Salvador: 312
- Venezuela: 312
To support these intensified enforcement measures, Florida received significant federal backing. The state was allocated $28 million as part of a $1.7 billion national funding package signed by President Donald Trump. This funding is being utilized to bolster local resources, including $2.7 million designated for transportation support for local agencies and $7.3 million for equipment to assist nearly 1,000 local officers involved in the operations.
Governor DeSantis has maintained a firm stance on immigration enforcement throughout his administration. In previous statements, he warned that Florida would not tolerate disruptions to ICE activities, distinguishing the state’s supportive approach from other jurisdictions in the U.S. While the operation has faced criticism from immigrant advocacy groups concerned about profiling and family separation, state officials continue to defend the program as a necessary measure for public safety and the restoration of order.
