Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the success of Operation Criminal Return, an initiative targeting criminal alien sexual predators and offenders in an effort to improve public safety in a post on social media this week.
The 10-day operation, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida law enforcement agencies, resulted in the apprehension of 230 criminal illegal aliens, many of whom were registered sex offenders. The operation is part of the state's 287(g) partnership with the federal government, which allows state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.
Specific crimes included sexual assault, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of children, as well as possession of narcotics, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, burglary, attempted premeditated murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery.
"Some of these guys had committed offenses against children. Sexual predators. These were people that, under the Biden administration, they were allowed to just roam with no threat of serious deportation," DeSantis said.
"The times have changed," DeSantis affirmed. "We have tremendous momentum in the state of Florida because of our leadership on being the No. 1 state to support the Trump administration's policies to take illegal aliens who are in our country, remove them, and send them back to their home country."
Gov. DeSantis has led on several illegal immigration measures throughout the year, including Operation Tidal Wave and others.
"I want to thank everybody that has been involved with this. The state of Florida is leading; we're showing what could be done when you work collaboratively with the federal government on an issue that is very, very important to so many people, not just here in Florida, but throughout the United States," DeSantis said.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan also commended the Trump administration for their priority in removing criminal alien predators from the country.
"This operation underscores President Trump and Secretary Noem’s determination to target and remove dangerous criminal alien predators from the United States,” Sheahan said. “Sanctuary cities that shield these criminals from accountability undermine the rule of law and jeopardize the safety of their residents. By contrast, Florida has shown exceptional leadership and dedication to public safety through strong partnerships with ICE. 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.”
A detailed look at some of the illegal alien offenders apprehended can be found here.
