The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced it assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday in seizing over 0.5 tons of narcotics in the waters off Miami-Dade County.
"While patrolling Miami-Dade, FWC officers assisted @CBP in intercepting a vessel suspected of smuggling," the FWC said. "With coordinated support, the vessel was escorted to @USCG Miami Beach, where a K9 sweep uncovered 1,150 lbs (522 kilos) of narcotics hidden in the cabin. Two suspects were arrested, and all the drugs were seized."
The siege is part of a multi-agency mission led by the Department of Homeland Security known as "Operation Tidal Wave," which calls for immigration arrests and enforcement crackdowns in Florida.
According to ABC News, Operation Tidal Wave has led to 780 migrant arrests. The operation is made possible under ICE's [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] 287(g) authority.
"Proud to work alongside our state and federal partners during #OperationTidalWave. Teamwork and vigilance make all the difference," the FWC added
President Donald Trump has prioritized immigration crackdowns in his first 100 days in office, including those allegedly associated with the Salvadorian gang MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Over Trump's first 100 days, ICE has deported 65,682 migrants.
The enforcement gained particular traction after the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 gang member, who was sent out of the United States by the Trump administration despite an immigration court preventing his deportation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has also followed suit on immigration enforcement in Florida. In March, FWC officers in partnership with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged an illegal alien for unlawfully reentering the state after he was previously deported.
It was the first known arrest in such a case since Gov. DeSantis signed a package of anti-illegal immigration measures, including aliens who reenter the state illegally, during Florida's special legislative session in February.
