Key Takeaways
• All 67 Florida sheriffs now have 287(g) Task Force agreements with ICE.
• Over 100 FHP troopers became Special Deputy U.S. Marshals with new immigration arrest powers.
• Florida allocated more than $298 million for expanded immigration enforcement across agencies.
Florida has become the central stage for a strong and far-reaching approach to immigration enforcement. With Governor Ron DeSantis at the forefront, the state has stepped up efforts, making itself an example other states may look to when it comes to handling immigration issues. This new chapter in Florida’s story shows a determined expansion in both the number of officers involved and the powers they now hold across multiple departments — from highway patrol to game wardens. Florida’s plan brings new laws, larger budgets, and groundbreaking agreements that change who can enforce immigration policies and how they do so.
Florida’s Drive to Lead in Immigration Enforcement
Florida’s expanded approach to immigration enforcement is not just a few new officers or minor policy changes; it’s a broad and detailed strategy. Governor Ron DeSantis often says that the state is now the leader in this field, and he is backing that up with action. His administration has boosted the number of officers with special training to handle immigration matters, saying this gives Florida a “major force multiplier.” Under his plan, Florida now has more deputized state law enforcement officers under the 287(g) task force program than any other state, putting Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts at the top in the United States.
287(g) Task Force Model Revived
The 287(g) Task Force Model is at the heart of this change. This partnership is an agreement between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, especially the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With these agreements, officers on the street—not just jail staff—can now question people about their immigration status and take steps to enforce federal immigration laws during their everyday work.
All 67 sheriff offices in Florida have joined this 287(g) Task Force Model. What’s new is that this program was nearly dormant during the prior federal administration but is now back and fully active in Florida. Under the guidelines, officers and deputies can question, detain, and even arrest people if they believe those individuals may be in violation of immigration rules.
– Officers can ask about immigration status during traffic stops or other routine duties.
– They may arrest people who are thought to be violating immigration laws, even outside of jails.
– ICE continues to oversee these local enforcement efforts.
Having every county participate in this model means a much broader reach, with almost every corner of the state now touched by these new rules. This move alone has set Florida apart and drawn attention from both advocates for strict immigration laws and those who worry about potential overreach.
Special Deputy U.S. Marshals: The First in the Nation
Perhaps the most striking expansion is the move by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Over 100 FHP troopers have become Special Deputy U.S. Marshals—a status only seen in Florida so far. Master Sgt. Joshua Malloy, who leads the Troop-C Criminal Interdiction Unit, explained that “The Florida Highway Patrol is the first and only agency in the nation to be delegated these powers, although hundreds of agencies will soon follow.”
What does this mean in practice? The troopers can now:
- Serve federal warrants—official orders to arrest or search.
- Detain anyone suspected of being in the country without proper paperwork.
- Transport these individuals directly to processing centers.
- Remove people considered “dangerous, criminal illegal aliens” without waiting for federal authorities.
The power to detain and transport individuals directly has often required federal approval in the past. But now, Florida officers can move forward more quickly and directly, which Governor DeSantis says closes big gaps in the old system.
Expanding Immigration Authority to New Agencies
It’s not just the troopers and sheriff’s deputies taking on these bigger roles. Governor Ron DeSantis has opened the door for other state agencies to play a part in immigration enforcement:
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (known as game wardens)
- The Florida State Guard
- The Florida Department of Agriculture
These agencies now have the authority “to interrogate any ‘suspected’ person believed to be living in the country illegally,” as described by the governor. This marks a big change. Game wardens, for example, usually check for fishing or hunting licenses but now can also check for immigration status. By signing these agreements, Ron DeSantis has built a large and varied group of officers who are responsible for more than just their usual work.
Florida’s Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan: A Complete Approach
Florida’s approach is not only wider—covering more officers and agencies—but also deeper, with detailed plans and steps to manage all parts of the immigration process. Governor DeSantis has sent a 37-page Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan to federal officials, calling it a “soup to nuts” plan. This means it covers everything from arresting people to deporting them.
Key parts of the plan include:
- Detention Centers: Fast construction of new detention centers to house those detained for immigration violations.
- New Immigration Judges: Using members of the Florida National Guard’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) as judges to speed up legal decisions about who should be deported.
- Deportation Flights: Arranging flights, using Florida contractors, to deport people quickly.
- Expanded Arrests: Efforts to find and detain more people suspected of breaking immigration rules.
Governor Ron DeSantis has said this plan will show how strict immigration enforcement “can be done,” and he hopes other states will follow Florida’s lead.
Funding and Institutional Support
Backing up these new programs is a lot of money. Florida lawmakers have approved more than $298 million for law enforcement agencies to carry out immigration duties. This money will be used to:
- Hire 50 new law enforcement officers focused on immigration enforcement.
- Provide a $1,000 bonus for immigration enforcement officers—a reward for taking on these new duties.
- Support officer training so that everyone involved knows the rules and procedures.
A key piece is the creation of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. This board will bring together federal and state agencies, helping them work as a team to enforce federal laws.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these steps show Florida is more serious than ever about handling immigration issues head-on.
Impacts and Reactions: What This Expansion Means
How Might This Affect Florida Residents?
For people living in Florida, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, these broad new powers may bring a sense of unease. The fact that any number of officials—from police to wildlife officers—can ask about immigration status means more people could come into contact with law enforcement regarding their legal presence in the United States. For some, daily activities like driving to work, fishing, or just walking in public parks may now involve questions about paperwork and legal status.
For others, especially employers and communities who favor strict immigration rules, these changes are likely to be welcomed. There’s a belief that stronger enforcement will make communities safer by focusing on those with criminal backgrounds. Yet critics argue that the system could also harm families and lead to profiling.
Wider Impact: The State and National View
Florida’s expansion is already sparking conversation at the national level. The move to deputize a large number of officers and involve multiple agencies is new. It signals that states can do more than local jails or traffic stops—they can create large-scale plans with their own judges and flight arrangements, as long as they work with federal agencies like ICE and the U.S. Marshals.
- Supporters see this as Florida becoming a national role model.
- Critics worry about overstepping state authority, the potential for mistaken arrests, and increased tension between community members and law enforcement.
Some legal scholars point out that having state officers act as federal agents blurs the line between local and national authority. Still, many states are watching to see if Florida’s plan is both effective and fair.
The Numbers at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the numbers and key facts behind Florida’s new system:
- Over 100 FHP troopers have been sworn in as Special Deputy U.S. Marshals.
- All 67 county sheriffs in Florida now have 287(g) Task Force agreements to work with ICE officers.
- More than $298 million has been set aside for immigration enforcement across multiple agencies.
- Fifty new officers will be hired specifically for immigration enforcement duties.
- $1,000 bonuses will be paid to officers stepping into these new roles.
- Countless licenses for various agencies, marking the largest push in the nation.
Voices from Florida’s Law Enforcement
The people involved are clear about why they’re acting. Master Sgt. Malloy says Florida is taking the lead, and other agencies across the country are likely to follow. Governor Ron DeSantis says the plan is a “how-to guide” for others who want to see what strict immigration enforcement looks like.
Local officers have shared that the changes give them the power to react quickly to people they believe are breaking federal rules, without waiting for federal agents to step in. They believe this will remove people with criminal records from communities faster.
What Florida’s Immigration Laws Mean for the Future
Governor DeSantis’s actions put Florida at the center of a growing national conversation about the role of states in controlling immigration. On one side, supporters say these policies add strength, speed, and structure to a system they believe has too many delays. On the other, critics warn that people who are not breaking any laws beyond their immigration status could be caught up by mistake or treated unfairly during routine police work or community activities.
Employers may see more pressure to check paperwork. Schools and healthcare facilities may face questions about how new rules affect their students or patients. Some families could become more cautious about how and where they go about their daily lives, worried that even a routine traffic stop could become a legal problem.
The expansion also broadens the number of public officials interacting with immigration issues. For the first time, game wardens, state guards, and agriculture officers have a hand in immigration duties—showing that this is not just a police job anymore.
Florida as a Model — or a Test Case
As more states look for new ways to enforce immigration laws, Florida will be watched closely. If the approach proves successful in cutting crime or reducing people living in the state without legal papers, many states may follow Florida’s lead. If there are legal challenges or reports of unfair treatment, the system could be revised.
Readers interested in how these policies work in practice can learn more at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program page, which explains the legal background and options for state and local involvement.
Conclusion: What to Watch Next
Florida’s move, under Governor Ron DeSantis, marks one of the broadest expansions of immigration enforcement yet seen at the state level. With more officers, more money, and more agencies involved, the state wants to be seen as a strict but organized example for others. As the new powers take effect, many will be watching how these changes affect daily life, law enforcement, and the national debate over immigration. Florida’s aggressive and well-funded system may become the blueprint for other states—or a starting point for further debate and change.
Learn Today
287(g) Task Force Model → A federal-local partnership allowing local officers to enforce immigration laws alongside ICE during daily duties, not just in jails.
Special Deputy U.S. Marshal → A designation allowing state troopers to execute federal warrants, detain, and transport suspected immigration violators independently.
Detention Centers → Facilities built to temporarily house individuals detained for immigration violations until their cases are processed or resolved.
Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) → A military legal branch whose members may serve as immigration judges to expedite deportation proceedings in Florida.
State Board of Immigration Enforcement → A newly created board coordinating federal and state agency efforts on immigration law enforcement strategies in Florida.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida leads with sweeping immigration enforcement reforms under Governor Ron DeSantis. Expanded 287(g) agreements, deputized officers, and new laws empower more agencies. Over $298 million funds new positions, training, and detention centers. Supporters praise Florida as a model; critics warn of profiling and overreach. National attention now focuses on Florida’s evolving strategy.
— By VisaVerge.com
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