If you\u2019ve noticed a heavy law enforcement presence at local motels today, you aren\u2019t imagining it.<\/p>\n
A massive immigration crackdown\u2014dubbed \u201cOperation Tidal Wave\u201d\u2014is officially moving through our neighborhoods. While we\u2019ve seen plenty of videos circulating on social media, local leaders are now confirming the activity is very real.<\/p>\n
U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost says his office has confirmed that ICE agents are securing \u201cpretty large\u201d hotel reservations as staging areas. According to Frost, agents have been spotted in:<\/p>\n
* UCF \/ East Orlando<\/p>\n
* Winter Garden<\/p>\n
* Altamonte Springs<\/p>\n
In Kissimmee, the focus seems to be on the \u201cmotel row\u201d along Irlo Bronson Highway\/HWY 192. FL Congressman Darren Soto has already started posting \u201cKnow Your Rights\u201d guides online to help local families navigate the surge.<\/p>\n
While federal lawmakers are calling for caution, state leaders are doubling down.<\/p>\n
At a news conference in Polk County this morning, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia stood with law enforcement to support the crackdown. He says the goal is \u201cridding our communities\u201d of undocumented people, specifically those committed to breaking the law.<\/p>\n
Governor Ron DeSantis says \u201cOperation Tidal Wave\u201d is a huge success so far. Here\u2019s the breakdown:<\/p>\n
* 10,000+ arrests since last April.<\/p>\n
* 1,000 people have already used the state\u2019s \u201cvoluntary return\u201d program to fly back to their home countries.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve reached out to ICE regarding these specific hotel reservations, but we\u2019re still waiting to hear back. We\u2019ll keep you updated as we learn more about where these operations are headed next.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n
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