In April 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration, in collaboration with Florida state authorities, conducted an unprecedented immigration operation dubbed “Operation Black Tide.”
This operation resulted in the detention of approximately 800 undocumented immigrants in various cities across the state, marking the first coordinated effort of its kind since Trump’s return to the presidency.
Details of the operation against undocumented immigrants
Operation Black Tide” ran from April 20 to April 26, 2025, covering counties such as Miami-Dade and Broward, as well as cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee and Fort Myers.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led the operation, with support from Florida State Police.
The operation targeted individuals with final deportation orders and serious criminal records, including members of gangs such as MS-13 and the 18th Street Gang, as well as international fugitives.
State collaboration and new immigration laws
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a key ally in implementing stricter immigration policies.
In February 2025, he signed a package of laws toughening penalties for undocumented immigrants, including the imposition of the death penalty for certain serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
In addition, these laws expand cooperation between local and federal law enforcement and eliminate state benefits for immigrants without legal status.
Impact on the Hispanic community
The Hispanic community in Florida has expressed concern about the impact of these measures.
Civil rights organizations and immigrant advocates warn of the risk of racial discrimination and family separation.
In addition, there have been reported cases of U.S. citizens wrongly detained on suspicion of being undocumented, which has led to criticism of the implementation of these policies.
Trump's policies are generating a lot of tension among the Hispanic community living in the United States
Legal and constitutional considerations
Buzzy
Florida’s new immigration laws have been the subject of legal debate, especially regarding their constitutionality.
The imposition of the death penalty for certain crimes committed by undocumented immigrants has been questioned by legal experts and human rights organizations, who argue that such measures could violate constitutional principles and fundamental rights.
Operation Black Tide and the new immigration laws in Florida represent a significant change in U.S. immigration policy, with a stricter and more punitive approach to undocumented immigrants.
While the federal and state governments defend these measures as necessary for national security, criticism and concerns about the human rights and legal implications continue to grow, especially among the Hispanic community and immigrant rights advocates.
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