Border Patrol Miami Sector Arrests Reach 12,599 Over 14 Months
Border Patrol agents in South Florida recorded 12,599 arrests between March 2025 and April 2026, accounting for 10 percent of nationwide totals. Most arrests resulted from local and state police turning over individuals under expanded cooperation agreements.
Washington ExaminerApprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border have declined to historic lows. The Department of Homeland Security has directed more resources toward interior enforcement. In South Florida, most individuals taken into Border Patrol custody were first encountered by local or state police during traffic stops or other operations.
Florida state and local police began turning over individuals to federal agents after a policy change early last year. The change allowed troopers and sheriff's departments to transport people to Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokeswoman said state troopers have arrested more than 10,690 individuals since March 2025, including more than 2,140 with criminal records. Those not transferred to federal custody may face state charges.
Individuals processed by Border Patrol are held temporarily before transfer to longer-term detention or deportation proceedings. The state offers some in federal custody the option to return to their home country with a one-way ticket.
