Florida, Feds Arrest 15 Illegal Immigrants with Criminal Records

Operation Tidal Wave targets individuals with prior charges and convictions for violent crimes

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:19pm

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The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and U.S. Border Patrol arrested 15 illegal immigrants with criminal records during a "targeted" enforcement operation in Key Largo. The individuals had prior charges or convictions for a range of violent crimes, including battery, drug offenses, burglary, and firearm violations. The operation was part of "Operation Tidal Wave" and involved coordination between state and federal authorities to identify and apprehend criminal aliens.

Why it matters

This operation highlights Florida's ongoing efforts to address public safety concerns related to illegal immigration and criminal activity. By partnering with federal agencies, the state is working to remove individuals with violent criminal histories from local communities and enforce immigration laws.

The details

The 15 individuals arrested were nationals of Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala who were unlawfully present in the United States. They had prior charges or convictions for a variety of crimes, including battery, domestic violence, drug possession and distribution, burglary, theft, home invasion, aggravated battery, firearm offenses, and obstruction of justice. Some also had prior deportation offenses and failures to appear in court.

  • The operation was carried out on March 9, 2026.
  • Since March 2025, the FHP has apprehended more than 9,000 illegal immigrants through the federal 287(g) program, including over 1,600 with prior criminal histories.

The players

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

The state law enforcement agency that led the operation in coordination with federal partners.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that partnered with FHP in the enforcement operation.

Dave Kerner

Executive Director of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department, which oversees the FHP.

Samuel Briggs

Acting Miami Chief Patrol Agent for U.S. Border Patrol.

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What they’re saying

“The Florida Highway Patrol leads in the apprehension and arrest of criminal illegal allies who have committed violent crimes here or abroad. Our Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT) and federal partners are executing targeted, coordinated operations that remove criminal aliens off our streets. This is what accountability looks like, and Florida will continue to lead with decisive action to protect our residents.”

— Dave Kerner, Executive Director, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) (Press Release)

“Border security is a whole-of-government effort, and the success of our mission depends on strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol. Our partners are vital to our operations and serve as a force multiplier, enabling us to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, protect our communities, and uphold the security of our nation's borders.”

— Samuel Briggs, Acting Miami Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the cases of the 15 individuals arrested will determine whether they will be held in custody or released on bail.

The takeaway

This operation demonstrates Florida's continued commitment to addressing public safety concerns related to illegal immigration and criminal activity. By partnering with federal agencies, the state is working to identify and remove individuals with violent criminal histories from local communities, upholding the rule of law and protecting residents.