Florida leftist groups organizing protests against ICE arrests have pledged to “take to the streets” despite the fact that 63% of the 1,120 illegal immigrants arrested in “Operation Tidal Wave” had prior criminal arrests or convictions, including members of MS-13 and other violent gangs.
Key Takeaways
- ICE and Florida law enforcement arrested over 1,100 illegal immigrants in “Operation Tidal Wave,” the largest state-led immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history, with 63% having criminal backgrounds.
- Leftist organizations including Occupy Florida are planning a “RAPID RESPONSE PROTEST” at Tampa City Hall in solidarity with Los Angeles protesters who are opposing similar immigration enforcement actions.
- Protest organizers claim ICE raids are “tearing families apart” and “terrorizing communities” while acknowledging potential police confrontations, despite the operation targeting individuals with serious criminal records.
- The Trump administration has positioned the Florida operation as a model for other states to follow in immigration enforcement, emphasizing the partnership between federal and state authorities.
Record-Breaking Immigration Enforcement Operation Triggers Protests
Florida and ICE’s “Operation Tidal Wave” has resulted in the arrest of 1,120 illegal immigrants, with nearly two-thirds having criminal histories. This collaborative effort between federal immigration authorities and Florida law enforcement, utilizing the 287(g) program that allows local police to enforce federal immigration laws, has been touted as a historic success. Among those arrested were members of violent gangs including MS-13 and the 18th Street Gang, as well as individuals with ties to terrorist organizations.
“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.
Despite the focus on criminals, leftist groups across Florida are organizing demonstrations against the immigration enforcement actions. The protests are planned in solidarity with ongoing demonstrations in Los Angeles, where similar ICE operations have led to clashes between protesters and federal agents.
Tampa Protest Planned Despite Emphasis on Criminal Offenders
Occupy Florida and other activist groups have announced a “RAPID RESPONSE PROTEST” in front of Tampa City Hall, explicitly stating their opposition to immigration enforcement. In their promotional materials, organizers declared: “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.” The protest announcement emphasizes the potential for law enforcement confrontation while claiming commitment to non-violence.
“Families are being torn apart. Homes raided. Communities terrorized. We will not stay silent while ICE targets immigrants with cruelty and impunity,” stated protest organizers.
The Tampa demonstration follows similar protests in Tallahassee after an immigration raid at a construction site. Demonstrators gathered at the Florida Capitol with signs calling for the abolition of ICE and “due process for all.” This pattern of organized resistance to immigration enforcement appears to be spreading across the state, despite the administration’s focus on removing criminal offenders who pose public safety threats.
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
Administration Stands Firm on Immigration Enforcement
President Trump and Florida officials have remained steadfast in their commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The administration has positioned Operation Tidal Wave as a model for other states to follow, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is a national priority. This approach represents a significant shift from previous policies that critics argued were more permissive toward illegal immigration.
“It sends the message going forward, United States of America is serious about enforcing its immigration laws,” said DeSantis. “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.”
In Los Angeles, federal officials have warned that enforcement actions will continue despite protests and opposition from local elected officials. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli issued a stern warning that “anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.” This firm stance on immigration enforcement represents the administration’s broader commitment to border security and the rule of law, despite vocal opposition from activist groups and sympathetic local governments.
Growing Tensions Between Federal and Local Authorities
The immigration enforcement operations have highlighted the stark divide between federal policies and the positions of some local governments. In Los Angeles, both the LAPD and L.A. County Sheriff’s Department have stated they would not enforce civil immigration laws, creating potential jurisdictional conflicts. California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the ICE raids, accusing the federal government of “sowing chaos” to justify escalation.
The protests in Florida appear to be following a similar pattern of resistance seen in California, with activist groups positioning themselves as defenders of immigrant communities regardless of legal status. As demonstrations continue to unfold, the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws stands in sharp contrast to the messaging from protest organizers who claim such enforcement is inherently unjust, despite the criminal backgrounds of many of those targeted in the operations.
