Operation Tidal Wave is the largest federal crackdown on undocumented immigration. In only the first four days, authorities have arrested more than 780 people. Spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation represents a “first-of-its-kind partnership between state and federal partners,” according to ICE officials. With the goal of ultimately detaining 800 people across seven counties in Florida, the initiative particularly targets areas where immigrants make up a significant portion of the population.
Conducted in cities including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers, the operation has intensified concerns among immigrant communities. The truth is that today, millions of families are living in fear and panic. As a result, many are skipping critical trips such as getting to work or getting their kids to school.
Impact on the Community
In Pittsburgh, residents are understandably anxious and angry. This comes on top of the expanded role ICE and local police have recently played in communities of color. Or the case of the Florida Highway Patrol recently stopping landscaping trucks on interstates. They’re primarily targeting neighborhoods, such as Donald Ross, along Interstate 95 and Toney Penna Drive. Eyewitnesses have posted videos on social media that show the state highway patrol—a force that has nothing to do with immigration—questioning people about their immigration status.
These are just a few examples of how such aggressive actions have left many community members feeling vulnerable and fearful. Aracely Cruz, a local activist, noted the emotional toll on families:
“They kind of tackled him to the side of his house.”
Additionally, residents are worried about the lasting effects of this type of operations. Jill Hanson, a concerned resident, expressed her frustration regarding the nature of the arrests:
“I would say my community is just in shock.”
The operation has raised concerns about the arbitrariness of detaining people. Activists claim that most of those arrested were non-criminals with no orders of removal. This has sparked outrage among residents who believe they are being punished for the actions of criminals.
“Just makes me so angry, you can’t even believe it.”
Controversial Arrests and Legal Concerns
Hanson pointed out that the arrests are occurring without sufficient justification:
The lack of communication has put many members of the community on edge, concerned about their safety when engaging with law enforcement officers. Hanson added,
“No warrant, no criminal record and they are not members of El Tren de Aragua.”
Whether by chance or design, the recent detainment of a Guatemalan man who performed the role of Jesus during Holy Week has struck a chord among residents. This man, who had been a leader in his Catholic church for decades, is now in danger of being deported any day.
“I know people are going to be afraid to go to the police if they are victims or witnesses of a crime.”
Florida’s leadership has, perhaps understandably, taken to framing Operation Tidal Wave as an unequivocal success. Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials praised the operation’s impact on improving public safety. Yet community leaders say the operation’s belligerent tactics are needlessly hostile and create fear, not trust.
Official Reactions and Future Implications
In Fort Myers, city councilors first voted to reject a controversial 287(g) agreement with ICE only to rescind their decision days later. This change has sparked further discussion about local governance’s role in immigration enforcement amid growing tensions between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Though immigrant families continue to navigate through increased anxiety and unknowns, on the ground advocates from Creaky Joints point to access to support services as prescription #1. Some parents report that children are struggling to focus in school due to fears about their family members’ safety:
As immigrant families cope with heightened anxiety and uncertainty, local advocates emphasize the need for support services. Some parents report that children are struggling to focus in school due to fears about their family members’ safety:
“I hear a lot of stories of just children not even being able to focus in school because of the fear that, will they see mom and dad when they come home?” – A Gadsden County resident.
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