Over 150 Illegal Alien Sex Offenders Arrested in Florida During DHS’s ‘Operation Dirtbag’ [WATCH]

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Wednesday that more than 150 illegal alien sexual predators were arrested in Florida as part of a sweeping enforcement action known as “Operation Dirtbag,” as reported by The New York Post.

The arrests were part of a larger effort that resulted in more than 230 illegal aliens being taken into custody across the state for a range of criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, sexual assault, and even murder, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Noem explained during an appearance on Fox News’ Fox & Friends that the operation was originally titled “Operation Criminal Return,” but she referred to it differently.

“This operation was called Operation Criminal Return. I call it Operation Dirtbag because these individuals were sex offenders, but not just sex offenders, they targeted children,” she said.

“These 150 individuals will be gone off of our streets. Our kids will be safer,” Noem added.

According to DHS, many of those apprehended had prior convictions for child molestation and sexual assault. The multi-agency operation, conducted with the support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, focused on identifying and removing convicted sexual predators who were in the United States illegally.

Noem said the effort reflects a model of state and federal cooperation that she hopes to see expanded nationwide. “These individuals should have never been in our country to begin with,” she said.

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“The fact that they were sexual deviants and perverts, and now we’ve gotten them off of our streets, it’s remarkable. And we need to do more of it.”

BREAKING: In an incredible victory, DHS Sec. Kristi Noem announces 150 illegal alien child predators and s*x offenders have been CAUGHT in Florida under Operation Dirtbag pic.twitter.com/3yX7slIRJN

“Not just s*x offenders, they targeted children, committed s*xual assault,…

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 12, 2025

The arrests come amid ongoing concerns about border security and the dangers posed by criminal aliens who reenter the country after deportation or evade detection entirely.

DHS officials emphasized that the operation targeted individuals who had previously been convicted of serious crimes and were living unlawfully in the United States.

Florida has been one of the states most active in cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, particularly under Governor DeSantis’ administration.

State and federal partnerships have led to several large-scale operations in recent months aimed at removing violent offenders and repeat criminal aliens.

Noem said similar efforts will continue as Homeland Security increases its focus on identifying and deporting criminal aliens across the country. She credited local law enforcement agencies in Florida for their coordination and quick action during the operation.

“These are the kinds of operations that save lives,” Noem said. “This is what enforcing the law looks like.”

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