In a significant immigration enforcement operation, ICE, in collaboration with state law enforcement, arrested nearly 800 immigrants in Florida, targeting primarily those with final deportation orders. This four-day operation marks the Trump administration's first formal arrangement with state authorities under a 287(g) agreement to expedite deportations, amid efforts to involve local enforcement in federal immigration objectives. A majority of the deportation orders were issued in absentia, as many individuals failed to attend their immigration hearings, raising concerns about potential legal status and lack of criminal records among those arrested. The operation is seen as the largest escalation of immigration enforcement in Florida since Trump's presidency began, leading to fears of family separations and straying from Florida's historically welcoming stance towards immigrants. Homeland security officials have issued stark warnings to undocumented immigrants to self-deport or face arrest and deportation, underscoring the administration's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.

ICE, working with state law enforcement under a new 287(g) agreement, arrested about 780 immigrants in Florida, focusing on those with final deportation orders, in a coordinated operation over four days.

The operation, reported by major news outlets, signifies the Trump administration's strategy to accelerate deportation processes, which have not met previous targets, by enlisting local authorities to assist in immigration enforcement.

Many deportation orders were issued in absentia, suggesting a systemic issue as 70% of those ordered for removal did not attend their hearings, raising questions about the legal status and lack of criminal records of those arrested.

The scale of the operation has sparked concerns about family separations and a departure from Florida's tradition of being a welcoming state for immigrants, as highlighted by the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

This crackdown reflects a broader trend of ICE operations requiring extensive planning and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, as the Trump administration seeks to fulfill its mass deportation promises.

The administration has resumed collateral arrests, allowing officers to detain migrants not initially targeted, intensifying the enforcement's impact and reach within immigrant communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the administration's message for undocumented immigrants to self-deport, warning of active efforts to locate, arrest, and deport those who do not comply.