Florida leftist groups are coordinating with Los Angeles protesters against ICE raids, even as the state celebrates a record-breaking 1,100 arrests of illegal immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds including gang members and terrorists.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s “Operation Tidal Wave” resulted in 1,120 arrests of illegal immigrants, with 63% having existing criminal arrests or convictions, including members of violent gangs like MS-13.
- Leftist activist groups in Florida are organizing “RAPID RESPONSE PROTESTS” in solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrations, where federal agents and protesters have already clashed.
- Organizers claim to be committed to non-violence but warn participants they “cannot predict how police may respond” and “cannot guarantee that arrests will not occur.”
- ICE and Florida’s successful collaboration through the 287(g) program is being viewed as a model for other states aligning with President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities.
Record-Breaking Immigration Enforcement in Florida
Florida and ICE recently concluded “Operation Tidal Wave,” resulting in the arrest of over 1,100 illegal immigrants in a single week – the largest number of arrests by a state in ICE’s history. The operation specifically targeted individuals with criminal backgrounds, with 63% of those arrested having existing criminal arrests or convictions. Among those detained were members of notoriously violent gangs and terrorist organizations, including MS-13 and the 18th Street Gang, demonstrating the security threats being addressed through these enforcement actions.
“This operation really is a historic marker of success that was made possible because of the partnership with the state of Florida,” said Madison Sheahan, ICE official.
The collaborative effort between federal immigration authorities and Florida law enforcement utilized the 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. This partnership approach has proven highly effective and is being viewed as a potential model for other states seeking to address illegal immigration challenges. President Trump’s administration has prioritized these enforcement measures as part of a broader strategy to secure the nation’s borders and protect American communities.
Looks like Tampa is up for an attempt at a mass demonstration to stand in solidarity with NY and LA to halt ICE deportations of illegal aliens.
I'm confident this will not look like NY or LA because of our Gov's leadership, but they are welcome to find out. https://t.co/A8lF1ivp71— AlyLeggé (@RealAlyLegge) June 9, 2025
Leftist Groups Mobilize Against Enforcement
Despite the focus on removing criminal elements from communities, leftist activist groups in Florida are organizing protests against these immigration enforcement operations. A “RAPID RESPONSE PROTEST” has been scheduled in front of Tampa City Hall, with organizers explicitly stating their solidarity with Los Angeles protesters who have already clashed with federal agents during similar enforcement operations. These planned demonstrations highlight the deepening national divide over immigration policy enforcement.
“We are taking to the streets in solidarity with Los Angeles and communities across the country to say: NO MORE ICE RAIDS. NOT IN FLORIDA. NOT ANYWHERE,” protest organizers stated in their announcement.
While the Florida protest organizers claim to be committed to non-violence, they have issued concerning statements that suggest potential confrontations with law enforcement. In their messaging, they specifically noted that they “cannot guarantee anyone’s personal safety” and “cannot guarantee that arrests will not occur,” placing responsibility for any escalation on law enforcement rather than on protesters who might engage in disruptive or unlawful behavior.
Los Angeles Protests Turn Confrontational
The solidarity actions in Florida follow significant clashes in Los Angeles, where ICE raids have led to tense standoffs between federal agents and protesters. In Los Angeles, federal agents executed search warrants related to harboring illegal immigrants, resulting in 118 arrests for suspected immigration violations. Confrontations occurred at multiple locations, including a Home Depot in Paramount, where protesters attempted to block enforcement actions. These incidents have drawn national attention and criticism from California officials.
“So whereas under the previous president, you could pay coyotes and come to the border knowing that you’d be home free once you got there, there’s a new sheriff in town – that is not going to be permitted,” said President Trump.
The Trump administration’s approach has been met with resistance from local officials in some jurisdictions. Both the Los Angeles Police Department and L.A. County Sheriff’s Department have stated they would not participate in enforcing civil immigration laws, creating tension between local and federal authorities. This resistance has prompted the administration to consider deploying National Guard troops to assist with operations in areas where local cooperation is limited.
A Clear Contrast in Approaches
The contrasting approaches to immigration enforcement highlight the fundamental policy differences that continue to divide the nation. While supporters of the Florida operation point to the criminal backgrounds of many who were arrested, critics focus on concerns about family separations and community impacts. The fact that 63% of those arrested in Florida had criminal backgrounds underscores the administration’s focus on public safety, though this hasn’t deterred opposition from activist groups who view any immigration enforcement as problematic.
“Families are being torn apart. Homes raided. Communities terrorized. We will not stay silent while ICE targets immigrants with cruelty and impunity,” protest organizers claimed, despite the documented criminal histories of many who were detained.
As these protests unfold across the country, the administration maintains that enforcing immigration laws is essential for national security and public safety. The success of Operation Tidal Wave in removing criminal elements from Florida communities demonstrates the potential effectiveness of coordinated federal-state partnerships in addressing immigration challenges, setting a precedent that may be followed by other states supporting President Trump’s border security initiatives.
