In a major victory for law and order, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working closely with state and local law enforcement in Florida, has arrested more than 400 illegal aliens in a sweeping five-day operation. This effort, carried out between September 22 and September 26, 2025, is a clear sign that President Donald Trump’s administration is serious about protecting American families and restoring safety to our neighborhoods.
For too long, Americans have suffered under open-border policies pushed by the radical left. These policies allowed dangerous individuals to cross our borders illegally and live among us as if our laws meant nothing. That time is now over.
This recent Florida operation targeted some of the worst offenders imaginable. Among those arrested was an 18-year-old from Honduras charged with molesting a child under 12. Another man, a 48-year-old from Mexico, had a long criminal record that included domestic violence, battery, and prostitution. Others arrested had been convicted of hit and run, drunk driving, burglary, assault on police officers, and more. These are not innocent people simply looking for work—they are criminals who put American lives at risk.
Director Garrett Ripa of ICE’s Miami Field Office said it best: “The days of allowing illegal aliens to disregard our laws and pose a threat to our communities, our roads, and our economy are over.” And he’s right. This is what leadership looks like. This is what happens when we put American citizens first.
The operation was carried out with the help of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida National Guard, and local sheriff’s offices. These brave men and women in uniform are standing up for the rule of law, and they deserve our full support. Their work helped identify and remove individuals who had already been arrested for crimes ranging from DUI to burglary and violence. Many of these individuals had already been ordered to leave the country but ignored those orders. Under this administration, that will no longer be tolerated.
The truth is, many of these criminals had been given chance after chance. Some had been deported before and returned illegally. Others were granted the opportunity to leave voluntarily, but chose to stay and continue breaking our laws. This is what happens when we don’t enforce immigration laws—it sends the message that America is weak, that our laws can be ignored, and that our people don’t matter.
But now, under President Trump’s leadership, we are beginning to turn the tide. This Florida operation is a model for the rest of the country. It shows what can be done when federal, state, and local agencies work together to protect the American people. And it shows that the 287(g) program—where local law enforcement is trained to help with immigration enforcement—is working. Florida leads the nation with 327 of these agreements, a 577% increase since January of this year.
This is not about politics. This is about safety. This is about protecting American children from predators. It’s about keeping our roads safe from drunk drivers. It’s about making sure that the men and women who wear a badge can do their jobs without being assaulted by people who have no legal right to be here.
Some on the left will call this cruel. They’ll say it’s unfair, or that it spreads fear in immigrant communities. But let’s be honest: the only people who should be afraid are those who break our laws. Law-abiding immigrants who come here the right way have nothing to fear. But those who sneak into our country and commit crimes? They should know that their days here are numbered.
This operation is a win for Florida. It is a win for America. And it is a warning to those who think our borders are open and our laws are optional. This country belongs to its citizens, and under this administration, the rule of law will be enforced. The safety of American families will always come first. That is our promise, and that is our duty.
