The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced this Wednesday that several state agencies have established agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out functions related to the enforcement of immigration law. These agreements will allow local authorities to collaborate more closely with federal agencies in the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Details of the Agreement
According to Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida State Guard will receive training and authorization from ICE to perform specific tasks related to the enforcement of new immigration laws. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will also be part of these agreements.
Ron DeSantis emphasized that this collaboration will allow Florida to have more personnel trained to enforce immigration laws. “By allowing our state agents and law enforcement officers to be trained and approved by ICE, Florida will now have more personnel tasked with enforcing the law and assisting federal partners. This means that deportations can be carried out more efficiently, making our communities safer as illegal aliens are removed,” stated the governor.
Specific Functions of State Authorities
A statement from the Governor of Florida’s office detailed that ICE will delegate specific immigration officer functions to state authorities and the State Guard, under the direction and supervision of the federal agency. These functions include:
- Interrogating any suspected foreigner or person believed to be a foreigner about their right to be in the United States. If they are found to be in violation of the proper immigration status, they will be detained and processed for state or federal criminal offenses.
- Arresting and detaining any foreigner attempting to enter the United States illegally, whether through ports of entry or waters off the coast of Florida.
- Transferring detained illegal immigrants without unnecessary delays for immigration authorities to examine and conduct additional checks.
- Enforcing arrests for serious crimes recognizable under any federal law regulating the admission, exclusion, or expulsion of foreigners.
Additionally, state authorities will have the power to issue arrest warrants for immigration violations, administer oaths, take fingerprints, photographs, and conduct interviews, as well as prepare affidavits for ICE review.
Ron DeSantis announced these new agreements after signing a package of immigration laws last week that implements harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants. With these measures, the governor aims to strengthen security in Florida communities and ensure stricter enforcement of federal immigration laws.
These agreements represent a significant step in the collaboration between the state of Florida and federal authorities, solidifying Ron DeSantis’ commitment to a more rigorous immigration policy.
