In Panama City on Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the results of what he called a ‘first-of-its-kind‘ immigration enforcement operation in Florida’s Panhandle that led to the apprehension of nearly 200 people.
- The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation was led by the Florida Highway Patrol working with federal partners including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“This week, a first-of-its-kind immigration enforcement operation started in Florida’s Panhandle, led by the Florida Highway Patrol in coordination with federal partners,” DeSantis said. “The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation has apprehended hundreds of illegal aliens—including fugitives with criminal records and repeat unlawful border crossers.”
The operation deployed 45 FHP troopers and 20 federal personnel across eight counties:
- Escambia
- Santa Rosa
- Walton
- Okaloosa
- Holmes
- Bay
- Washington
- Jackson
Among those apprehended, 37 had previously received final orders of removal and failed to appear in court, according to the governor’s office. Eight people who had been deported and illegally reentered the United States were also apprehended, including one person who had been deported four times. These individuals will be federally charged, according to the press release.
“The FHP Immigration Enforcement Unit has demonstrated unprecedented success in apprehending illegal aliens,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Working hand in hand with our federal partners, we are creating an enforcement model that can truly impact the illegal immigration crisis.”
According to the governor’s office, Florida state troopers encountered people who fled, resisted arrest and physically assaulted officers during the operation.
DeSantis also announced that Florida has launched weekly deportation flights out of Tallahassee in partnership with ICE and the U.S. Coast Guard. The first flight departed last week with 20 people on board.
DeSantis said the operation is part of Florida’s broader immigration enforcement efforts, stating the state “will continue to deploy every available resource to identify, apprehend, and remove those who seek to exploit our state and endanger our people.”
