The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested around 150 illegal immigrants who have committed sex crimes as part of a large-scale sweep in Florida. The raids, codenamed Operation Dirtbag, led to the arrest of more than 230 ‘criminal illegal aliens,’ according to the DHS. The ‘sex predators’ include citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, and Ukraine, officials said. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized that the arrests would protect American children and that the operation could serve as a model for similar actions elsewhere. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the sweep, stating that it marked a shift from the policies under the Biden administration.
President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in January, has initiated a crackdown on illegal immigration, vowing to carry out the largest deportation in US history. The president and Republicans have accused his predecessor Joe Biden of pursuing open border policies that allowed violent criminals to enter the country and hide from law enforcement. This operation is part of a broader strategy to address what Trump and his allies see as a crisis of illegal immigration and public safety.
However, the move has drawn criticism from Democrats and human rights groups, who argue that the focus on deporting individuals without a violent criminal history is a form of political targeting. Critics have also raised concerns about the treatment of detained immigrants and the use of federal resources for what they consider a politically motivated campaign. The operation has been met with both support and opposition, highlighting the ongoing debate over immigration policy and national security in the United States.