Federal and state law enforcement agencies have arrested 230 convicted criminal aliens across Florida following a sweeping 10-day operation targeting violent offenders and sexual predators living illegally in the United States.
The joint mission, dubbed Operation Criminal Return, was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from Oct. 25 through Nov. 5.
Authorities said every person arrested was a registered sex offender or violent felon with a serious criminal history.
This operation was based out of Florida.
Key Points
- ICE and Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 230 criminal aliens in Operation Criminal Return.
- The operation targeted sexual predators, violent offenders, and previously deported felons.
- Officials credited Florida’s 287(g) partnership with ICE for expanding enforcement reach statewide.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said the mission reflected the federal government’s renewed focus on removing violent criminal aliens under the administration of President Trump and Secretary Noem. “This operation underscores our determination to target and remove dangerous criminal alien predators from the United States,” Sheahan stated, calling Florida “a model of leadership in public safety.”
Governor Ron DeSantis praised the results, saying hundreds of “the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens” are now off the streets and will soon be deported. “Florida has been the most aggressive state in America on combating illegal immigration,” DeSantis said. “Our law enforcement agencies are proving every day that strong partnerships with ICE save lives.”
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said the arrests show Florida’s commitment to ensuring that violent offenders cannot reenter communities. “Florida will not harbor criminal aliens who threaten public safety,” Glass said. “Our collaboration with ICE sets a standard for the rest of the country.”
Dangerous offenders targeted
Among those arrested were individuals with convictions for child sexual abuse, attempted murder, and aggravated battery. ICE listed several examples, including Frank Rene Gacitaborges, 51, of Cuba, convicted of molesting a child under 12; Victor Julio Silva Diaz, 26, of Venezuela, convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 13; and Andrii Kurbatov, 45, of Ukraine, convicted of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Also detained were multiple Cuban nationals with extensive records of lewd and lascivious conduct, burglary, narcotics possession, and violent assault, all under standing removal orders issued by federal immigration judges.
Operation rooted in 287(g) authority
The operation relied on Florida’s use of the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained state and local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision. Officials described it as a “force multiplier” that strengthens community safety and speeds the removal of dangerous offenders.
Through this initiative, ICE officers and FDLE task force members located, detained, and processed convicted aliens with prior deportation orders, prioritizing those with histories of sexual violence and crimes against minors.
Statewide impact
Operation Criminal Return represents one of the largest collaborative enforcement actions in Florida in recent years, underscoring the state’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. ICE confirmed that all 230 individuals arrested will remain in custody pending removal proceedings or deportation to their home countries.
Officials emphasized that continued cooperation between ICE and Florida law enforcement agencies remains central to preventing repeat offenses and maintaining public safety across the state.
Some of the criminal illegal alien offenders apprehended include the following:
- Frank Rene Gacitaborges, a 51-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested on Oct. 26. He has a criminal history that includes a conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years of age in Miami and was sentenced to 4 years of incarceration. An immigration judge ordered him removed March 17, 2022.
- Victor Julio Silva Diaz, a 26-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, was arrested Nov. 5. His criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 13.
- Andrii Kurbatov, a 45-year-old criminal illegal alien from Ukraine, was arrested Oct. 27. He has a criminal history that includes convictions for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. An immigration judge ordered him removed March 27, 2024.
- Sergio Velazquez Carnero, a 63-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Nov. 4. His criminal history includes convictions for lewd and lascivious assault on a child, contributing to the delinquency of a child, petit theft, petit larceny and multiple sexual offender violator registration requirements. An immigration judge ordered him removed July 1, 2017.
- Saturnino Duran, a 69-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 25. His criminal history includes a conviction for lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor. He has a final order of removal dated July 31, 2020.
- Vladimir Garcia, a 48-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 25. His criminal history includes convictions for possession of burglary tools, third-degree grand theft auto, cocaine possession, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, marijuana possession, loitering, resisting arrest without violence, cannabis possession, lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16 years of age, and violation of sexual offender registration requirements. An immigration judge ordered him removed April 3, 2012.
- Aniel Chavez Cera, a 30-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 29. His criminal history includes convictions for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, attempted premeditated murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge on Dec. 8, 2022.
