Florida law enforcement officers now have expanded immigration enforcement authority under the Trump administration, Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Friday morning.
The announcement aligns with DeSantis’ broader efforts to strengthen Florida’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, particularly through the expansion of the 287(g) program. This program allows trained state and local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, such as questioning individuals about their legal status and issuing detainers to hold noncitizens for federal custody.
Governor DeSantis Announces Agreement with ICE on Illegal Immigration Enforcement https://t.co/7gXdHn6NAq
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 7, 2025
Tampa’s WFLA-TV has more on the governor’s press conference in Tallahassee, discussing how, in collaboration with the Trump administration, state law enforcement agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol will implement immigration enforcement measures:
This includes serving warrants for immigration violations, arresting those who enter the country illegally, and partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove illegal immigrants who commit crimes.
This comes after Florida lawmakers abruptly ended a special session on immigration called by DeSantis in favor of their own. They passed their own immigration bill, the TRUMP Act, rather than one proposed by DeSantis allies, and it will soon head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
DeSantis has vowed to veto the immigration bill, calling it “weak.”
Since taking office in 2019, DeSantis has prioritized immigration enforcement, signing legislation to ban sanctuary cities and encouraging local law enforcement to collaborate with federal authorities. The governor has repeatedly voiced support for stronger border security policies, aligning with President Trump’s stance on illegal immigration.
By expanding the 287(g) program, Florida law enforcement agencies will take on a crucial role in federal immigration enforcement and enhancing public safety.
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Every state should do this.