TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Federal and state law enforcement officers arrested 230 foreign nationals allegedly in the U.S. illegally, many with prior criminal convictions, during a coordinated effort known as Operation Criminal Return. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than half of those arrested — 150 individuals — were allegedly convicted sex offenders.
The operation, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), targeted individuals who officials say pose significant threats to public safety. “Hundreds of the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens with horrific criminal histories, including sexual crimes against children, are off our streets,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan praised Florida’s “exceptional leadership,” while FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said the initiative advances the mission of President Donald Trump and Governor DeSantis to remove dangerous offenders.
Officials cited arrests involving individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, and Ukraine, some of whom had existing deportation orders. Florida leads the U.S. in participation under ICE’s 287(g) program, with more than 270 agreements allowing state and local agencies to assist in immigration enforcement.
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