In a concerted effort to crack down on criminal activities, law enforcement agencies in Florida have arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants, many of whom are accused of sex crimes against children. This announcement was made on Thursday by both state and federal officials.

Launched on October 25, the initiative, known as Operation Criminal Return, led to the apprehension of 230 illegal immigrants with criminal records. Among those detained were individuals registered as sex offenders and those with a history of serious offenses, according to officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“This operation highlights the commitment of President Trump and Secretary Noem to identify and deport dangerous criminal alien predators from the country,” stated ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Sanctuary cities that protect these offenders undermine the rule of law and jeopardize public safety.”

Nicknamed Operation Dirtbag, the initiative specifically targeted individuals involved in heinous crimes such as child predation, rape, and violent offenses. Those arrested had convictions ranging from sexual assault of minors, rape, indecent conduct, and child exploitation to battery and attempted murder, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The operation, which commenced on October 25, 2025, took place across Florida.

Out of the 230 individuals detained, 150 were identified as sexual predators, according to DHS officials.

The operation targeted sex offenders in the state of Florida, officials said. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement )

Sheahan praised the teamwork between ICE and Florida in removing criminal illegal immigrants.

“Together, we send an unmistakable message: Criminal aliens who threaten our citizens and violate our laws will be removed and prevented from committing further heinous crimes,” she said.

Hundreds of criminal illegal immigrants, many of whom are convicted child sex predators, have been arrested in a 10-day operation across Florida, state and federal law enforcement officials announced Thursday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement that those arrested were among “the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens with horrific criminal histories,” which include sex crimes against children. He added that those arrested “will be out of our country soon.”

“Florida has been the most aggressive state in America on combating illegal immigration, and our state and local law enforcement agencies are doing more every day to be the federal government’s greatest tool in the fight to enforce immigration law,” DeSantis said.