DeSantis says Florida is setting the standard in cracking down on illegal immigration
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the development of partnerships between Florida law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), therefore significantly advancing immigration enforcement. Under Governor DeSantis’s direction, the project includes the signing of more Memoranda of Agreement with the ICE of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, therefore enabling state law enforcement authorities to carry out immigration enforcement activities inside their own state.
“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 Ron 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.”
Among the agencies joining into these agreements are the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Florida State Guard. Under these memoranda, these agencies will operate under ICE’s authority carrying certain immigration officer responsibilities. This cooperation tracks the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol, who have already signed similar agreements with ICE.
These agreements provide the state guard and law enforcement specific authority. They are going to be able to question if anyone suspected of being an alien on their right to be in the United States and hold those found to have broken immigration rules. They can also arrest and hold any alien trying to illegally enter the United States from coastal seas or Florida’s ports of entry.
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Under federal immigration law, the agreement grants extra authority for felony arrests; it also grants execution of arrest warrants for immigration offenses and oath administration. Along with filing affidavits and compiling sworn statements for ICE examination, police will also assist in fingerprinting, photographing, and interrogating detained aliens.
One of the most important features of these agreements is the power to create records for deportable or inadmissible aliens and issue immigration deters. By producing charging documentation ahead of review for ICE agents, this will accelerate the deportation process and enable faster removal of dangerous individuals already under police custody. Rather than releasing apprehended aliens due to lack of holding capacity, state authorities will now be permitted to retain custody of them and move them to ICE-approved detention facilities.
This expanded collaboration underscores Florida’s commitment to upholding federal immigration laws and enhancing the safety and security of its communities. Through these agreements, the state seeks to guarantee a more systematic and quick removal of illegal aliens, therefore demonstrating a strong attitude to immigration control.
