TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that grants state agencies the authority to assist in detaining and deporting undocumented migrants.
The agreement includes multiple state agencies, such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, enabling state police to collaborate with federal law enforcement and interrogate individuals suspected of illegal entry.
Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the effectiveness of such coordination, stating, “You are going to see more effective interior enforcement when you have the state, local, and federal government on the same page.”
This new arrangement mirrors a previous agreement between DeSantis and DHS involving the Florida Highway Patrol, which also required state officers to undergo training to support federal immigration efforts.
Larry Keefe, Florida’s newly appointed Immigration Czar, stressed the importance of giving state police more authority in handling immigration-related matters. “We need the ability to go out there on our own in the course of our regular law enforcement duties and arrest and detain,” Keefe said.
However, critics have raised concerns about the impact of these agreements on Florida’s law enforcement community. “Immigration is one of the most complicated federal laws in the country,” said Orlando Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani.
Others worry the agreements could put vulnerable migrants at risk, making them more reluctant to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement. “They’re going to be more hesitant to express that to law enforcement,” Eskamani added.
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