In a major escalation of state-led immigration enforcement, Florida authorities have concluded a massive multi-agency initiative known as Operation 9. This three-day intensive effort resulted in the apprehension of 249 illegal immigrants across the state. The mission represents a deepening collaboration between local, state, and federal entities, including the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Border Patrol. This ninth iteration of the state’s coordinated enforcement program underscores the DeSantis administration’s commitment to an aggressive stance on immigration, aligning closely with the broader federal priorities of President Donald Trump.
A significant concern highlighted by officials during the operation was the total lack of identification among many of those detained. Lt. Ramin Sulaiman, the assistant commander of the FHP Immigration Enforcement Section, noted that many individuals had no records or documentation, making accountability nearly impossible. According to Sulaiman, the surge in undocumented arrivals is a direct result of federal policies that saw over 1 million migrants enter the United States with Florida as their stated destination. He also warned of the presence of “ghosts”—individuals who enter the country without any law enforcement encounter and remain entirely undocumented within the state’s borders.
The operational tactics primarily utilized routine law enforcement activities as a gateway to immigration checks. Many of the 249 detainees were initially intercepted during standard traffic stops or commercial vehicle inspections. Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, reported that nearly 10,500 illegal immigrants have been apprehended in the state since March 2025. Adding to this perspective, Trooper Tony Golden, who operates in the Panhandle region, described the actual number of undocumented residents as “astronomical.” Golden also defended the agency against accusations of racial profiling, asserting that officers are strictly enforcing the law regardless of ethnicity.
Logistically, the operation was a massive undertaking, involving over 100 personnel who mobilized before dawn at a station in Broward County. The coalition included the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and the Florida State Guard. Once apprehended, detainees were processed at a central facility where they were searched and documented before being handed over to federal authorities. Nestor Yglesias, an ICE public affairs officer, explained that those in custody are often presented with choices: they may opt for arranged flights back to their home countries or remain in federal custody pending formal immigration proceedings. Notably, some migrants may qualify for self-deportation incentives of up to $2,600.
This latest surge is part of a broader pattern of enforcement under Governor Ron DeSantis, who has overseen the removal of more than 10,400 migrants through similar cooperative efforts since October. By positioning Florida as a primary partner for federal immigration authorities, the state continues to set a national precedent for localized enforcement of border policies. As Operation 9 concludes, state officials maintain that these high-visibility missions are essential for public safety and the maintenance of the rule of law within the Sunshine State.
