Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT), in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), apprehended 15 individuals unlawfully present in the United States during a targeted enforcement operation in Key Largo on March 9.
The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Tidal Wave, resulted in the arrests of nationals from Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala. All those detained had prior criminal histories, including convictions or charges for:
• Multiple prior deportations
• Battery and domestic violence
• Driving without a valid license
• Offenses involving minors
• Failure to appear in court
• Cocaine possession
• Marijuana possession, production and distribution
• Theft and multiple burglaries
• Home invasion (some involving deadly weapons)
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Aggravated battery
• Obstruction of justice
The individuals were taken into custody for immigration violations and processing.
“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted, coordinated enforcement to remove individuals with criminal records from our communities,” said Florida Highway Patrol Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Our CAAT unit and federal partners continue to prioritize public safety through decisive action.”
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs of the Miami Sector emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort.
“Border security requires a whole-of-government approach,” Briggs said. “Strong partnerships with agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol serve as a force multiplier, allowing us to respond effectively to threats and uphold national border security.”
Operation Tidal Wave, a broader joint state-federal initiative launched in 2025 involving Florida agencies and ICE, has resulted in thousands of apprehensions statewide, focusing on individuals with criminal histories and final deportation orders. The Key Largo action is one in a series of such targeted details.
