As of April 2025, “Operation Tidal Wave” has been arresting Florida residents under the order of President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 10,000 arrests have been made since then. And now, as of January 2025, it’s confirmed that the crackdown on immigration is once again surging. This time, ICE is targeting Central Florida, leaving locals concerned and on edge.
According to WFTV 9, UCF, East Orlando, Winter Garden, and Altamonte Springs are listed as locations of interest to ICE. Representative Maxwell Frost has noted a significant number of hotel bookings, many of which are by ICE agents. These are being called “staging” locations, where it’s believed ICE will set up raids and patrol communities.
Local leaders are now confirming that “Operation Tidal Wave” is very real and seems to be honing in on Kissimmee. This information has prompted Congressman Darren Soto to stress to locals to know their rights in the face of ICE’s questioning and tactics. While some Florida lawmakers are opposing the additional ICE presence, Governor Ron DeSantis is fully supportive. He’s been quoted as saying the operation is a “huge success,” quoting the number of arrests and detained individuals.
A Frigid Welcome From Locals
Despite the governor’s stance on ICE raids, locals are concerned about “Operation Tidal Wave.” For many, it will happen in their own backyards, sparking fear for their families, friends, and neighbors. On YouTube, viewers share a mix of support, cheering on ICE agents, and even listing potential locations to raid. Others, such as @WatchingThemWatchingYou, post warnings along with locations to avoid. To this, one viewer accuses people of interfering with ICE agents doing their job. In response, @WatchingThemWatchingYou replied, “Nobody’s stopping anyone from doing their job. People are simply exercising their rights to observe government action. Rights don’t disappear because someone uses the word ‘mission.'”
Others ridiculed the choice to crack down on Kissimmee, given its population. “Some of you are too ignorant to realize that Kissimmee’s and most of Orlando’s Hispanic population are Puerto Ricans. They are US CITIZENS and serve in the US MILITARY,” says another viewer.” On Reddit, many comments were solemn. One Reddit user keeps their thoughts short, saying, “Fear is a bigger motivator than hope.”
