A massive immigration operation led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida resulted in a record total of 1,120 undocumented immigrants detained in just six days, marking the largest raid of its kind in U.S. history conducted in a single state.
The operation, named “Marea Negra”, took place from April 21 to April 26 with the collaboration of at least seven local agencies in Florida, as well as support from the DEA, FBI, and ATF.
According to official data cited by the agency EFE, of the total detainees, 437 are from Guatemala, 280 from Mexico, 153 from Honduras, 48 from Venezuela, 24 from El Salvador, and 178 from other nationalities, without specifying how many Cubans are among them.
63% had prior criminal records or convictions, according to ICE.
The Deputy Director of ICE, Madison Sheahan, emphasized at a press conference in Miramar that this operation is "a model" of state and federal cooperation, and urged other states to replicate it. "This historic result demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies work together," she stated.
For his part, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the operation as a demonstration of his administration's commitment to a stricter immigration policy.
"We are ready to take it to the next level. If authorized, we would even use members of the National Guard as immigration judges to expedite deportations," he stated.
This operation occurs in a context of tightening state immigration policies, with new laws signed by DeSantis that allow local police to question the immigration status of residents and impose harsher penalties on undocumented individuals with criminal records.
However, these measures have generated criticism and concern among human rights advocates and migrant communities.
In April, the case of Juan Carlos López Gómez, a 20-year-old American citizen who was mistakenly arrested for allegedly being undocumented, raised concerns about racial profiling and errors in the enforcement of these policies.
Although ICE has not provided information about the status of those detained or how many will be deported, this operation confirms that Florida has become one of the most active hotspots of the tough immigration policy promoted by conservative sectors in the United States.
The case resonates particularly within communities such as the Cuban one, where thousands of people find themselves in irregular migration status or awaiting legal processes for asylum or parole.
Civil rights organizations have warned that mass raids and proposals to expedite deportations could undermine due process and the rights of individuals who still have pending cases before immigration courts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Operation Marea Negra and its Implications in Florida
What is Operation Black Tide?
The Black Tide Operation is a large-scale migration enforcement operation conducted in Florida, led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with federal and local agencies. Its primary aim is the apprehension and deportation of undocumented immigrants, setting a record in U.S. history for the number of arrests in a single state.
How many undocumented immigrants were arrested during Operation Black Tide?
During Operation Black Tide, 1,120 undocumented immigrants were apprehended in Florida over a period of six days. This figure represents the largest raid of its kind in U.S. history carried out in a single state.
Which agencies participated in the Black Tide Operation?
The operation involved the participation of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as seven local agencies from Florida. This collaboration between federal and local agencies in Florida serves as a model for state and federal cooperation in immigration control.
How has Operation Black Tide affected migrant communities in Florida?
Migratory communities in Florida have experienced an atmosphere of fear and distrust due to the operation. The intensification of raids and the tightening of immigration policies have raised concerns among human rights advocates and civil organizations regarding the possible impact on due process and the rights of immigrants, particularly those with pending legal processes.
What are the criticisms of immigration policies in Florida following Operation Black Tide?
Criticism of immigration policies in Florida focuses on racial profiling, errors in the enforcement of laws, and potential violations of human rights. Human rights advocates have indicated that these measures could undermine trust between migrant communities and authorities, affecting the reporting of crimes and creating an atmosphere of fear among undocumented residents.
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