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| Ron DeSantis |
Tallahassee, Fla. — In a significant move to bolster immigration enforcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed state law enforcement agencies to enter into additional agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The initiative will enable Florida law enforcement personnel to execute immigration enforcement functions under the federal 287(g) program, expanding the state’s ability to detain and deport illegal immigrants.
“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.”
At the governor’s direction, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida State Guard have entered into agreements with ICE to receive specialized training and authority under the 287(g) program. This move follows a similar agreement signed last week with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement.
Expanded Immigration Enforcement Powers
Under these agreements, Florida law enforcement officers will have the authority to perform key immigration functions under ICE supervision. This includes:
- Identification and Removal: Law enforcement officers will be trained to identify and remove criminal aliens who are already incarcerated and eligible for deportation before they are released back into the community.
- Interrogation & Detention: Officers will have the power to interrogate suspected aliens about their immigration status and detain those found to be in violation.
- Border & Coastal Enforcement: Authorities will be empowered to arrest and detain any individual attempting to unlawfully enter the United States through Florida’s borders or waters.
- Deportation Processing: Officers will assist ICE in preparing necessary documentation, fingerprinting, and other processing procedures to expedite deportations.
- Serving & Executing Warrants: State law enforcement will now have the ability to serve and execute arrest warrants related to immigration violations.
- Maintaining Custody & Transportation: State authorities will transport detained illegal immigrants to ICE-approved detention facilities, preventing their release due to overcapacity issues.
A Move to Strengthen State-Federal Cooperation
The agreements mark a further deepening of cooperation between Florida and federal immigration authorities. By expanding the number of trained officers under the 287(g) program, the state aims to expedite the deportation of individuals already in police custody, reducing the backlog of immigration cases and enhancing public safety.
This expansion aligns with Governor DeSantis’ broader agenda of tightening immigration enforcement within the state. Florida’s law enforcement agencies will now play a more active role in assisting ICE, reducing reliance on federal resources, and ensuring that criminal illegal immigrants do not evade removal due to bureaucratic delays.
With these new measures in place, Florida continues to position itself as a national leader in state-led immigration enforcement. The impact of these changes is expected to be significant as state and federal agencies work together to implement the new directives effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that allows state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE to perform specific immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
2. How does this agreement impact Florida law enforcement agencies?
Under this agreement, Florida law enforcement officers will receive specialized training from ICE, allowing them to identify, detain, and process illegal immigrants who are subject to removal.
3. Which Florida agencies are involved in this initiative?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement are participating in the agreement.
4. What powers will Florida officers have under this agreement?
Officers will be authorized to interrogate, arrest, detain, and process individuals suspected of violating immigration laws, as well as assist ICE in preparing necessary documentation for deportation proceedings.
5. How will this initiative impact public safety?
By expediting the removal of criminal illegal immigrants from the community, the initiative aims to enhance public safety and reduce the burden on federal immigration enforcement agencies.
6. What happens to detained illegal immigrants under this agreement?
Detained individuals will be processed by state law enforcement officers and transported to ICE-approved detention facilities for further action, rather than being released due to capacity constraints.
7. Is this initiative unique to Florida?
While other states have participated in the 287(g) program, Florida’s approach under Governor DeSantis is one of the most extensive, involving multiple state agencies and an emphasis on proactive immigration enforcement.
8. What is the expected outcome of this policy?
The policy is expected to result in more efficient deportations, reduced crime associated with illegal immigration, and closer cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement.
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