PANAMA CITY, FL – A significant, multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in Florida’s Panhandle has resulted in the apprehension of nearly 200 individuals, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Friday. The sweep, led by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in coordination with federal partners including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeted undocumented immigrants with criminal records, fugitives, and repeat immigration violators across eight counties.
Operation Details and Scope
The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation, which commenced in August 2025, spanned several northwestern Florida counties, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, Bay, Washington, and Jackson. The operation deployed 45 FHP troopers alongside 20 federal personnel from agencies such as ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. State officials indicated that the operation was designed to identify, detain, process, and transfer individuals suspected of being in the country unlawfully, with an ongoing focus to apprehend as many individuals as possible before the end of August.
Targeted Arrests and Key Findings
Early results from the intensive operation highlight a focus on individuals with serious immigration violations. Among those apprehended were 37 individuals who had previously received final orders of removal from the United States but failed to appear in court. Furthermore, eight individuals were arrested for illegally re-entering the U.S. after having been previously deported, with one case involving an individual who had been deported four times. These individuals are expected to face federal charges.
State officials prioritized arrests of those posing public safety risks, including individuals with criminal histories and repeat violators. The FHP’s Immigration Enforcement Unit was credited by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner for its “unprecedented success,” working in tandem with federal agencies to create an effective enforcement model.
State-Federal Partnership and 287(g) Agreements
This operation exemplifies Florida’s strategy to enhance immigration enforcement through robust state-federal partnerships. The collaboration leverages agreements like the 287(g) program, which authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce certain aspects of federal immigration law under the oversight of ICE. Florida has been at the forefront of establishing these partnerships, with many local agencies participating. These agreements allow trained state officers to assist federal authorities in identifying and processing removable aliens, thereby expanding enforcement capabilities.
Governor’s Enforcement Stance and Florida’s Leading Role
Governor DeSantis has consistently positioned Florida as a leader in immigration enforcement, aiming to secure the state’s interior and protect its citizens. He described the Panhandle operation as a “new chapter” and a demonstration of Florida’s commitment, sending a “clear and uncompromising message” against lawlessness. The governor highlighted that since March, FHP had vetted nearly 4,700 individuals through Department of Homeland Security databases, resulting in over 3,600 arrests, including more than 600 individuals with prior criminal records. DeSantis has stated that Florida aims to serve as a model for other states looking to intensify their cooperation with ICE.
Context of Legal Challenges and Advocacy Concerns
The surge in enforcement activity takes place amidst ongoing legal scrutiny of Florida’s immigration policies. A federal judge recently ordered the shutdown of the state’s experimental immigration detention facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Despite such legal challenges, state officials have affirmed their commitment to continuing enforcement operations, with plans for additional detention facilities underway. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns regarding the potential for due-process violations, racial profiling, and limited access to legal counsel for those detained.
During the operation, state troopers reported encountering individuals who exhibited resistance, including attempts to flee, resist arrest, and even physically assault officers, underscoring the nature of some encounters during these enforcement actions.
Conclusion
The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation marks a significant effort by Florida to bolster immigration enforcement, showcasing a coordinated approach between state and federal agencies. By leveraging partnerships and focusing on individuals with criminal histories or prior deportation orders, Florida continues its assertive posture in immigration matters, aiming to enhance public safety and enforce federal immigration laws within its borders.
