A coordinated law enforcement effort across Florida resulted in the arrest of 249 immigrants during a three-day operation involving federal, state, and local agencies.
The operation, called “Operation 9,” involved the Florida Highway Patrol working alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol, and several other agencies. Those arrested were processed and transferred to ICE custody for further handling.
How the Operation Unfolded
More than 100 law enforcement personnel gathered before dawn at a Florida Highway Patrol station in Broward County to begin the enforcement effort. Participating agencies included the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and members of the Florida State Guard.
Many of those detained were initially stopped for routine traffic violations before officers discovered immigration-related issues. “We are enforcing the law,” Trooper Tony Golden told reporters. “We don’t pick and choose what we want to enforce.”
Officers transported detainees to a processing center where they were searched, documented, and prepared for federal transfer. Officials noted that many of those arrested had little documentation identifying who they were.
Immigration Enforcement in Florida
Florida has become increasingly active in federal immigration enforcement. State officials reported that nearly 10,500 immigrants have been apprehended in Florida since March 2025.
Lt. Ramin Sulaiman, assistant commander of the Florida Highway Patrol Immigration Enforcement Section, noted that more than 1 million immigrants who entered the country illegally during the Biden administration told border authorities they were headed to Florida. “But that does not include all the ghosts, meaning the people that have no encounters [with law enforcement],” Sulaiman said.
Operation 9 marks the ninth coordinated enforcement effort since October. Governor Ron DeSantis previously announced that cooperation with federal officials had led to the removal of more than 10,400 immigrants from the state in January.
What Happens Next
ICE public affairs officer Nestor Yglesias explained that many detained immigrants will be given options regarding their removal. “Most of those detained have a choice,” Yglesias said.
Some individuals may accept arranged flights to their home countries, while others remain in custody awaiting immigration proceedings. ICE determines whether the immigrant or the federal government covers transportation costs, and some migrants may qualify for self-deportation incentives reaching up to $2,600.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital reporting team contributed to this report.
