“Black Tide” Targets Undocumented Immigrants

Federal authorities have launched a large-scale operation in Florida, dubbed “Black Tide,” aiming to apprehend and deport approximately 800 undocumented immigrants. This initiative marks the “first coordinated migration control effort between the Federal Government and the State Police” since the Trump administration’s return to power.

The operation, activated on Monday by the “National Security Department (DHS),” is scheduled to run through Saturday. According to reports, “Black Tide” targets individuals with existing deportation orders or criminal records in several Florida regions, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers.

Growing Collaboration Under Scrutiny

While “it has not been confirmed how many people have been arrested until Wednesday,” the operation signals a “growing collaboration between the DHS and the Florida police agencies.” This collaboration is primarily facilitated through Program 287(g),an initiative enabling local law enforcement to perform limited functions of federal immigration agents.

More than 230 law enforcement agencies in Florida have signed agreements to participate in Program 287(g), making “Florida the State with more collaborations” of this type nationwide. Participating entities range from local police departments and university security forces to state subdivisions, such as the security division of the Florida Lottery Department.

The Customs Immigration and Control Service (ICE) declined to comment directly on “Operation Black Tide,” citing security concerns. however, an ICE spokesman stated that, as part of routine functions, “ICE arrest immigrants who have committed crimes or violated migratory laws” and that the agency announces results publicly “when considered appropriate.”

Program 287(g) Fuels Debate

The collaboration between ICE and local police forces in Florida has intensified since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, the state “has actively promoted federal program 287(g),” which empowers local police agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.

This program has been adopted by “more than 200 jurisdictions in Florida,” including cities like Hialeah, doral, Fort Myers, and Orlando. In Hialeah, the agreement allows police officers to collaborate with ICE in the “identification, arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants,” a measure that has sparked concerns about community trust and potential for racial profiling.

In Doral, “a city were approximately 70% of the population is born abroad,” the unanimous approval of “a resolution to collaborate with ICE has unleashed controversy,” particularly among the Venezuelan community, fearing increased arrests and deportations.A recent report by the ACLU of Florida highlighted concerns that 287(g) agreements can lead to discriminatory enforcement practices and erode community trust in law enforcement.

Resistance and Concerns

However, “not all cities have accepted this collaboration without objections.” South Miami, such as, has sought “judicial protection to prevent its local police force from becoming an extension of federal immigration policies,” citing the need to maintain local autonomy and protect the “trust between the community and the police.”

Critics argue that such collaborations blur the lines between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, perhaps discouraging immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. This, they say, undermines public safety for everyone. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County recently filed a lawsuit alleging that local 287(g) enforcement led to wrongful detentions and civil rights violations.

This context of growing collaboration between ICE and local police forces “in Florida has generated an atmosphere of fear and distrust” among immigrant communities, who fear being targeted for arrests and deportations, “even for minor infractions.”

Immigrant Rights Organizations Respond

immigrant rights organizations have voiced concerns about the potential negative impact on crime reporting and the erosion of confidence in local authorities. They argue that increased immigration enforcement can drive immigrant communities further into the shadows, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Some legal scholars argue that while federal immigration law preempts certain state actions, local governments retain the right to determine the extent of their cooperation with federal authorities. This legal gray area continues to fuel debate and litigation surrounding 287(g) agreements.