Key Takeaways
• FDLE gained federal certification under ICE 287(g) program effective July 11, 2025, to enforce immigration laws.
• FDLE officers can now question, detain, arrest, and serve warrants for immigration violations under ICE supervision.
• Florida led largest ICE single-state operation in April 2025, arresting 1,120 criminal illegal aliens statewide.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now federally certified to enforce immigration laws in Florida under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program. This major change, effective July 11, 2025, marks a new chapter in how Florida handles immigration enforcement. The update comes after a series of agreements between the State of Florida and ICE, and it brings new responsibilities, requirements, and implications for immigrants, law enforcement, and communities across the state.
Summary of What Changed
As of July 2025, FDLE officers have received federal certification and training to act as immigration officers under the ICE 287(g) program. This means FDLE can now:
- Question people about their immigration status
- Arrest and detain those suspected of being in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission
- Serve and execute warrants for immigration violations
- Collect evidence, take fingerprints, and interview individuals for ICE review
This authority is not limited to FDLE. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida State Guard have also entered into similar agreements with ICE. These changes are part of a larger effort by Florida to increase its role in federal immigration enforcement.
Who Is Affected
This update affects several groups:
- Immigrants in Florida: Non-citizens, especially those without legal status or with pending immigration cases, may face increased questioning, detention, or removal by state officers.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: FDLE and other participating agencies must follow new procedures, complete ICE-approved training, and report data on immigration enforcement activities.
- Employers and Community Groups: Organizations that work with immigrants may see more requests for information or support from affected individuals.
- Families: Families with mixed immigration status may experience more uncertainty and need to prepare for possible enforcement actions.
Effective Dates and Implementation
- February 19, 2025: Governor Ron DeSantis announced the new Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between Florida agencies and ICE under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- July 11, 2025: FDLE’s federal certification under the 287(g) program became fully effective.
- Ongoing: Training, recruitment, and certification of additional officers continue as Florida expands its participation in the program.
Required Actions for Affected Individuals and Agencies
For Immigrants:
- Know Your Rights: If approached by FDLE or other law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer. Carry proof of legal status if you have it.
- Prepare Documents: Keep important documents, such as identification, immigration papers, and contact information for legal help, in a safe and accessible place.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you have questions about your status or a pending application, consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.
For Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Complete ICE-Approved Training: Officers must finish specialized training before exercising immigration enforcement powers.
- Follow Reporting Requirements: Agencies must report statistics on detainers, arrests, and ICE interactions to the State Immigration Enforcement Council and FDLE for annual review.
- Apply for Grants: Agencies can apply for reimbursement through the Local Law Enforcement Immigration Grant Program to cover training and participation costs.
For Employers and Community Organizations:
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from FDLE, ICE, and local authorities about enforcement activities.
- Support Employees and Clients: Provide information about rights and resources to those who may be affected.
Implications for Pending Applications and Immigration Cases
If you have a pending immigration application or are in removal proceedings, the expanded role of FDLE under the 287(g) program may affect your situation in several ways:
- Increased Risk of Detention: Individuals with pending cases who are stopped or arrested by FDLE may be detained and referred to ICE, even if their case is still being processed.
- Faster Removal Proceedings: The agreements allow for the removal of certain individuals before they are released from state custody, which could speed up deportation for those with criminal convictions.
- Impact on Bond and Release: Detention by FDLE under 287(g) may affect eligibility for bond or release while a case is pending.
If you are concerned about your case, it is important to contact your attorney or a trusted legal service provider as soon as possible.
Details of FDLE’s 287(g) Authority
The 287(g) program is a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows ICE to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies. Under these agreements, trained officers can perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.
FDLE officers are now authorized to:
- Interrogate individuals about their right to be in the United States 🇺🇸
- Arrest and detain those suspected of unlawful entry or status violations
- Serve and execute warrants for immigration-related offenses
- Collect evidence, fingerprint, photograph, and interview individuals for ICE review
These powers are exercised under the direct supervision of ICE, and officers must follow federal guidelines and procedures.
Operational Impact and Recent Enforcement Actions
Since the certification, FDLE has played a leading role in immigration enforcement in Florida. In April 2025, a joint operation involving FDLE, ICE, and other agencies resulted in the arrest of 1,120 criminal illegal aliens in Florida. This was the largest single-state operation in ICE’s history.
FDLE now works closely with federal and local partners to:
- Identify individuals subject to removal
- Detain and process those found to be in violation of immigration laws
- Share information and intelligence through the Florida Fusion Center
Oversight and Coordination
To manage these expanded responsibilities, Florida created the State Immigration Enforcement Council in 2025. This council oversees immigration enforcement strategies, resource allocation, and coordination between state and federal agencies. The FDLE executive director is a member of this council.
The Florida Fusion Center, operated by FDLE, serves as the main hub for sharing information and coordinating intelligence among federal, state, and local agencies. This helps ensure that enforcement efforts are organized and effective.
Training, Funding, and Incentives
FDLE officers must complete ICE-approved training to become designated immigration officers under the 287(g) program. This training covers federal immigration law, procedures, and civil rights protections.
To support these efforts, Florida has set up the Local Law Enforcement Immigration Grant Program. This program reimburses agencies for costs related to training and participation in federal immigration enforcement. Reimbursement rates depend on the size of the agency.
Officers who are credentialed as designated immigration officers and who participate in ICE task force operations may receive bonuses and extra pay. This is meant to encourage participation and recognize the added responsibilities.
Recent Federal Support
In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense authorized up to 700 troops to support ICE operations in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Up to 200 service members are assigned to Florida. These troops provide logistical and administrative support, not direct law enforcement. Their presence reflects increased cooperation between federal and state agencies.
Policy Implications and Stakeholder Perspectives
State officials, including Governor DeSantis, say these measures are designed to improve public safety and support federal immigration law enforcement. ICE leaders have called Florida’s 287(g) partnerships a national model for state-federal cooperation.
However, some civil liberties groups and local officials have raised concerns about the impact on immigrant communities, due process rights, and relationships between law enforcement and the public. While these concerns are part of ongoing national debates, they are not specifically cited in the latest 2025 updates.
Procedural Details and Reporting
FDLE officers, once trained and certified, operate under ICE supervision when using their immigration enforcement powers. There are strict data collection and reporting requirements. County jails and law enforcement agencies must report detailed statistics on detainers, arrests, and ICE interactions to the State Immigration Enforcement Council and FDLE. This information is reviewed annually for oversight and accountability.
Future Outlook
Florida’s approach to immigration enforcement is expected to keep growing. The state plans to continue recruiting, training, and certifying more state and local officers under the 287(g) program. There are also discussions about investing in more detention space and new technology to support these expanded efforts.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Florida now leads the nation in the number and scope of 287(g) partnerships, setting a precedent for other states considering similar agreements.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are an immigrant living in Florida, or if you work with immigrant communities, here are some practical steps to take:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from FDLE, ICE, and trusted legal organizations.
- Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if you are stopped or questioned by law enforcement. Carry proof of your legal status if you have it.
- Prepare a Safety Plan: Keep important documents and emergency contacts in a safe place. Make a plan with family members in case someone is detained.
- Seek Legal Help: If you have questions about your status or a pending application, contact a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.
- Report Concerns: If you believe your rights have been violated, report the incident to a trusted legal organization or advocacy group.
Where to Find More Information
For official information about FDLE’s role in immigration enforcement, visit the FDLE official website. To learn more about the ICE 287(g) program, including how it works and which agencies participate, see the ICE 287(g) Program Information page. These resources provide up-to-date details on policies, procedures, and contact information.
Conclusion
The federal certification of FDLE under the ICE 287(g) program marks a significant change in how immigration laws are enforced in Florida. With new authority, training, and resources, FDLE now plays a central role in identifying, detaining, and processing individuals suspected of immigration violations. This affects immigrants, law enforcement, employers, and communities across the state.
If you are affected by these changes, it is important to stay informed, know your rights, and seek legal guidance when needed. Agencies and organizations should prepare for new responsibilities and reporting requirements. As Florida continues to expand its participation in the 287(g) program, the landscape of immigration enforcement in the state will keep evolving.
For more details and official updates, visit the FDLE official website or the ICE 287(g) Program Information page. These sites offer the latest information on policies, training, and enforcement activities related to the FDLE, ICE, and the 287(g) program.
Learn Today
FDLE → Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a state agency now certified to enforce immigration laws under 287(g).
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal agency supervising immigration enforcement nationally and partnering with states.
287(g) Program → A federal agreement allowing trained state officers to enforce immigration laws under ICE supervision.
Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) → Formal contracts between ICE and state agencies detailing immigration enforcement responsibilities and procedures.
State Immigration Enforcement Council → A Florida council overseeing coordination and data reporting for immigration enforcement activities statewide.
This Article in a Nutshell
FDLE’s federal 287(g) certification empowers it to enforce immigration laws statewide. Since July 2025, Florida expanded immigration arrests, coordination, and prosecution under federal supervision.
— By VisaVerge.com
