On Good Friday, Jill Hanson visited St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jupiter, Florida, to watch a community member portray Jesus Christ in the church's passion play.
Only four days later, he was apprehended by Florida Highway Patrol as part of "Operation Tidal Wave," a joint operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Florida law enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security, targeting areas with high immigrant populations.
Hanson, who leads El Sol, a nonprofit supporting immigrant communities in Jupiter, expressed her anger at the arrests, questioning their necessity and impact on community safety.
She mentioned knowing five local individuals detained during the operation, which aimed to detain 800 people in various Florida counties and cities.
Since President Donald Trump's administration mandated mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state legislature have been proactive in cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE reported over 780 arrests in the first four days of the operation, emphasizing the collaboration between state and federal agencies in this crackdown.
Community members and advocates reacted with a range of emotions from anger to fear and despair, questioning the transparency and impact of "Operation Tidal Wave."
The operation, which began on April 21 and ran through April 26, has raised concerns about ongoing arrests despite official statements.
Various Florida counties declined to provide specific arrest numbers, and requests for detailed information from ICE are pending.
Despite challenges such as limited bed space, Florida officials considered the operation a success in ensuring public safety.
Political figures and community leaders have expressed opposing views on the operation, with some condemning it as detrimental to community trust and safety.
Immigration advocates in Palm Beach County highlighted the fear and uncertainty among immigrant families following the operation, affecting daily activities like driving to work or taking children to school.
Reports of Florida Highway Patrol stopping vehicles for immigration status checks have raised concerns about racial profiling and arbitrary detentions.
The impact of the operation extends beyond individual arrests, affecting the broader immigrant community and raising questions about due process and civil rights.
As communities grapple with the aftermath of "Operation Tidal Wave," advocates and residents are mobilizing to support those affected and push back against what they view as unjust and harmful enforcement actions.