Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida law enforcement agencies will enter into additional Memoranda of Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enhance the state’s ability to enforce federal immigration laws.
The agreements, authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, will allow state law enforcement officers to be trained and deputized by ICE to carry out immigration enforcement duties, including identifying, detaining, and deporting individuals who are in the U.S. illegally.
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“Florida is setting the example for states in combating illegal immigration and working with the Trump Administration to restore the rule of law,” said Governor DeSantis. “By allowing our state agents and law enforcement officers to be trained and approved by ICE, Florida will now have more enforcement personnel deputized to assist federal partners. That means deportations can be carried out more efficiently, making our communities safer as illegal aliens are removed.”
Under the new agreements, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida State Guard will join the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement in partnering with ICE. These agencies will now have expanded authority to:
- Interrogate and Detain: Question individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally and detain those found to be in violation of immigration laws.
- Arrest and Process: Arrest individuals attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully, including at ports of entry or via Florida’s coastline, and process them for federal immigration violations.
- Execute Warrants: Serve and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations.
- Prepare Charging Documents: Issue immigration detainers and prepare charging documents for ICE review, speeding up the deportation process.
- Transport Detainees: Maintain custody of detained individuals and transport them to ICE-approved detention facilities, preventing their release due to overcrowding.
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The agreements aim to streamline the deportation process by allowing state law enforcement to identify and remove incarcerated individuals who are eligible for deportation before they are released back into the community. This proactive approach is intended to prevent dangerous individuals from re-entering society and to reduce the burden on federal immigration authorities.
“This process of preparing charging documents ahead of time for the review of ICE officials will allow for the speed-up in the deportation process and the quicker removal of dangerous illegals already detained in police custody,” the governor’s office stated.
The new agreements build on Florida’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement. Last week, the Florida Highway Patrol became the first state agency to enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE, followed by the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement.
DeSantis has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration policies, often aligning with the Trump administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration.
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