In a move aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announced that all 67 county jails in Florida have signed agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to comply with the 287(g) program.
This program allows designated sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions within their jails.
The FSA highlighted that each county jail is working with ICE to ensure that personnel are properly trained and deputized to carry out these duties. This includes background checks and specialized training, enabling officers to identify and process undocumented individuals who have been arrested for crimes.
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To further coordinate these efforts, the FSA has established the State Immigration Enforcement Council, comprised of four sheriffs:
- FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell
- Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters
- Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
This council will collaborate with the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and ICE to provide guidance and support to local law enforcement agencies on immigration matters.
The announcement follows the recent passage of Senate Bill 2C, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on February 13th, 2025. This bill provides resources and authority to local law enforcement agencies to assist in the detention and deportation of undocumented individuals who have committed crimes.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of collaboration between local and federal agencies in addressing illegal immigration.
“The State Immigration Enforcement Council will bring together local law enforcement and ensure that we’re prepared to work hand-in-hand with federal partners in one of the nation’s most significant efforts to address illegal immigration,” he said.
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“By training both new and experienced deputies and correctional officers to uphold federal immigration laws, as well as expanding our detention capacity, we will be able to enhance the safety of our communities,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we have seen that ICE has a renewed commitment to immigration enforcement, and we stand ready to assist. Having law enforcement at the table to be part of these critical discussions is valuable when it comes to implementing Senate Bill 2C effectively, and fortunately, we live in a state where that is recognized.”
This initiative signals a significant step in Florida’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and enhancing public safety through cooperation between state and federal agencies.
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