Florida Sheriffs Association Backs Jails' Role in Immigration Crackdown

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Key Takeaways

• All 67 Florida county jails signed 287(g) program agreements with ICE, enabling local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement.
• Senate Bill 2C mandates statewide compliance with ICE detainers and provides resources for federally trained deputies in jail operations.
• Full implementation begins in 15-30 days; capacity concerns arise as Florida’s federal facilities only hold 2,000 detainees, already at capacity.

Florida sheriffs have recently taken a decisive step toward aligning jail operations with federal immigration laws amid continued efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. On February 24, 2025, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announced that all 67 county jails in the state have signed formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements ensure compliance with the 287(g) program—a federal initiative that permits local law enforcement officials to assist ICE in identifying and detaining certain undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activity.

Strengthening Immigration Enforcement in Florida

Florida Sheriffs Association Backs Jails’ Role in Immigration Crackdown

This initiative marks a significant moment in Florida’s drive to take a more active role in immigration enforcement at the local level. The 287(g) program, which is part of Title 8 of the U.S. immigration code, details ways in which local and state law enforcement can support ICE and the Department of Homeland Security on immigration matters. A key element of this compliance is the Warrant Service Officer program. This program allows trained deputies to serve warrants for undocumented immigrants who are flagged by ICE, enabling county jails to hold these individuals for an additional 48 hours while federal officials arrange for their transfer and custody. This collaboration aims to reduce the release of undocumented individuals with criminal charges back into the general public.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has explained that these agreements are set to be implemented fully within the next 15 to 30 days, emphasizing the urgency with which Florida views immigration enforcement. Additionally, counties are collaborating with ICE to ensure that all jails have properly trained personnel who can serve warrants and process immigration cases efficiently.

Expanded Programs to Address Enforcement Needs

Beyond the standard 287(g) framework, sheriffs in Florida are also working to implement the Street Task Force program. This initiative allows law enforcement officers to take on some of ICE’s authority when directly encountering individuals who have active immigration detainers. The Florida Sheriffs Association is helping to finalize Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) for this program across all counties and is also organizing the necessary training to prepare deputies.

The expanded focus on immigration enforcement also stems from recent legislative action in Florida. On February 13, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 2C into law. This law mandates statewide compliance with the 287(g) program and provides additional resources for local law enforcement to aid federal authorities in detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The new law requires all 67 counties in Florida to honor ICE detainers and include federally trained deputies in their jail operations.

Challenges in Expanding Detention Capacity

While sheriffs across Florida are working to ensure the program’s success, there are concerns about the state’s capacity to detain undocumented immigrants at the levels these agreements may require. Federal immigration detention facilities in Florida currently have about 2,000 beds, and these resources are reportedly already at full capacity. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri noted that he is already holding 150 undocumented individuals on ICE detainers in his jail, which accommodates a total of 3,000 inmates.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has warned that the demand for additional detention space could “overwhelm the current ability to house people in days.” As Florida sheriffs prepare for the anticipated rise in enforcement, they are conducting an inventory of available jail beds. Some counties, such as Flagler, are even exploring options to allocate additional beds specifically for ICE detainees. There is also ongoing coordination with federal authorities on how to meet the detention needs generated by the expanded program.

Statewide Coordination and Oversight

To streamline these efforts, Florida has set up the State Immigration Enforcement Council. The council includes four sheriffs: FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The council works alongside the State Board of Immigration Enforcement to provide strategic guidance and oversight. This body ensures that law enforcement units have the training and resources needed to comply with the strict measures outlined in the agreements with ICE.

The Florida Sheriffs Association has also underscored the importance of these efforts in improving public safety. They believe the new programs will deter repeat offenders and emphasize the deportation of individuals who are deemed significant threats to public safety or have previously been deported and returned illegally.

Controversies and Concerns Over Racial Profiling

While the sheriffs’ push for compliance with federal immigration law has been praised in some quarters, it has also faced criticism. Opponents, including Kara Gross of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, argue that the new law could lead to racial profiling. Sheriff Gualtieri has rejected these claims, explaining that the enforcement efforts are targeted solely at individuals who have committed crimes and pose public safety risks. Additionally, the sheriffs insist that they are committed to upholding the law and ensuring fairness in their enforcement actions.

Advocates like Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd have highlighted the broader implications of Florida’s approach, suggesting it could serve as a model for other states. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Florida Sheriffs Association has described the successful signing of agreements with ICE in every county as a “no small task.” Sheriff Judd stated that this effort positions Florida as a leader in immigration enforcement and could inspire similar initiatives across the United States.

A Return to Federal-State Collaboration

The current push toward stricter immigration enforcement marks a significant shift from the prior administration’s policies. According to Sheriff Gualtieri, the 287(g) program was not utilized in Florida during President Biden’s term, as county jail personnel were neither trained nor deputized by ICE. This contrasts sharply with Florida’s approach during President Trump’s first administration and following his return to office—both of which saw a renewed emphasis on federal-state collaboration in immigration enforcement.

This renewed focus has prompted the allocation of state resources to ensure that local agencies are better equipped to address immigration violations. The comprehensive participation of all Florida counties supports federal ICE operations and facilitates the deportation process for criminal undocumented immigrants.

What Lies Ahead for Florida and the Nation

As Florida moves forward with firm enforcement programs, its approach is expected to influence national debates on immigration policies. The involvement of local law enforcement in supporting federal regulations has long been a contentious issue, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. For now, Florida sheriffs remain committed to implementing measures they believe will prioritize public safety and align the state more closely with federal immigration authorities.

Despite the challenges posed by detention space shortages and criticism from certain advocacy groups, the unanimous signing of the agreements with ICE demonstrates Florida’s determination to enact a coordinated and robust immigration enforcement strategy. As these programs begin to take effect, their long-term impact on the state’s public safety, detention capacity, and relationships with immigrant communities will become clearer. For readers seeking more details on the 287(g) program and the agreements being implemented, the official ICE website offers comprehensive information on the program’s specifics and guidelines: ICE 287(g) program details.

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287(g) program → A federal initiative allowing local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in identifying and detaining certain undocumented immigrants.
Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program → A program enabling trained deputies to serve ICE warrants and hold undocumented individuals for 48 hours for federal transfer.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) → A formal document outlining collaboration terms between Florida counties and ICE for implementing immigration enforcement programs.
Immigration detainer → A request by ICE to local law enforcement to hold an individual suspected of immigration violations for up to 48 additional hours.
State Immigration Enforcement Council → A Florida body coordinating strategic guidance and oversight for local law enforcement’s participation in federal immigration enforcement programs.

This Article in a Nutshell

Florida Strengthens Immigration Enforcement

Florida’s 67 county jails now fully collaborate with ICE under the 287(g) program, empowering deputies to assist in detaining undocumented immigrants with criminal records. This landmark move prioritizes public safety but faces challenges like overcrowded detention facilities. While controversial, Florida’s initiative sets a strong template for aligning local and federal immigration enforcement.