The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and U.S. Border Patrol recently conducted a significant enforcement operation in Key Largo, resulting in the arrest of 15 undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

This effort, known as “Operation Tidal Wave,” took place on March 9 and was executed by the Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT) of the FHP in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Authorities revealed that each of the 15 individuals had histories of criminal activity. Their records included charges or convictions for offenses such as battery, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, burglary, theft, home invasion, aggravated battery, firearm violations, and obstruction of justice. Additionally, some faced previous deportation issues and failures to appear in court.

Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), emphasized the state’s commitment to public safety in a statement. “The Florida Highway Patrol excels in apprehending and arresting criminal undocumented individuals who have committed violent acts either domestically or internationally,” he stated. “Our Criminal Alien Apprehension Team, alongside federal partners, is conducting targeted operations to remove these individuals from our communities. This represents true accountability, and Florida will continue to take firm actions to safeguard our residents.”

In a March 9, 2026 operation in Key Largo, Florida Highway Patrol, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, apprehended 15 individuals. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to address immigration enforcement.

According to a Thursday announcement, the arrested individuals hailed from Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala, and were residing in the United States without legal authorization.

According to FHP, the agency has apprehended more than 9,000 Illegal immigrants since March 2025 through the federal 287(g) program, including more than 1,600 with prior criminal histories.

Florida Highway Patrol officers have been empowered to enforce federal immigration law in partnership with federal agents. (St. Augustine Police Department)

The FLHSMV wrote it is committed to securing its states streets and communities.

“This operation underscores Florida’s continued commitment to protecting its communities from individuals who engage in criminal activity and violate U.S. immigration law,” it said in a Thursday press release. “Through coordinated efforts like Operation Tidal Wave, state and federal partners are working proactively to identify threats, uphold public safety, and ensure that those who repeatedly disregard the law are held accountable and removed off our streets.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been one of the nation’s leading governors in encouraging state and local cooperation with federal immigration and customs and border patrol officials. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)

“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,” acting Miami Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs wrote in a statement after last week’s arrests.

“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.”