Federal immigration agents detained more than 400 undocumented migrants during a five-day operation across central Florida last week.
The enforcement campaign took place from September 22 to September 26, 2025, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Newsweek reported that the operation targeted individuals with criminal backgrounds as part of the Trump administration's expanded deportation efforts.
The arrests represent another significant enforcement action under President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as targeting "the worst of the worst" among undocumented immigrants.
High-Profile Criminal Cases
Among those detained was Walther Ramiro Hernandez-Ortiz, an 18-year-old Honduran national facing serious charges. ICE officials said he was arrested on charges including lewd and lascivious behavior, battery, and molestation of a victim under 12 years old.
Juan Carlos Hernandez-Reyes, a 48-year-old Mexican national, was also taken into custody during the sweep. The man had a reinstated final order of removal and an extensive criminal history, including domestic violence, driving under the influence, battery, disorderly conduct, and prostitution charges.
Edgar Rivera-Salinas, a 38-year-old Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States, was detained again. ICE reported his criminal record included charges for larceny, theft, and marijuana possession.
Traffic Violations and Repeat Offenses
Multiple arrests involved individuals with histories of driving-related offenses and immigration violations. Efrain Santos-Palacios, a 26-year-old Mexican national who entered without inspection, faced charges for driving under the influence, hit and run, and driving without a license.
Pedro Juan Andres, a 29-year-old Guatemalan national, was arrested after entering the country illegally. He faces charges of resisting arrest with violence and burglary, according to ICE documentation.
David Dorantes Martinez, a 47-year-old Mexican national with a final order of removal, was detained for domestic violence and battery charges. Officials noted he had previously been granted voluntary departure but failed to leave within the required timeframe.
Multi-State Criminal Histories
Several arrestees had criminal records spanning multiple jurisdictions and repeated violations. Ubaldino Hernandez-Hernandez, a 41-year-old Mexican national, was arrested for unlawful presence with a history including hit and run incidents, operating vehicles without valid licenses, probation violations, and reckless driving.
Aurelio Hernandez-Hernandez, also from Mexico, was taken into custody after entering without inspection. His record included driving under the influence charges and multiple traffic violations across different jurisdictions.
Mario Suarez-Maya, a 47-year-old Mexican national, was arrested following two prior DUI charges and three arrests for driving without a license. ICE reported his immigration bond was canceled after his most recent arrest by the Florida Highway Patrol for providing false identification to law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Partnerships
The operation involved extensive collaboration between federal and state agencies under the 287(g) program. Participating agencies included ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Florida Highway Patrol, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, and the Florida National Guard.
Florida currently leads the nation with 327 active 287(g) agreements, representing a 577 percent increase since January 2025. These agreements allow local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement duties in partnership with federal authorities.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami Field Office Director Garrett Ripa praised the collaborative effort. He stated that the operation focused on targeting public safety threats who had "wreaked havoc in local neighborhoods" after illegally remaining in Florida.
