FLORIDA - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state’s role in federal immigration enforcement by authorizing the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program.
The initiative, announced Friday, is aimed at enhancing the state’s ability to identify and detain individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
The 287(g) program, part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement agencies.
With this agreement, FHP troopers will now have the authority to question individuals about their immigration status during routine traffic stops, arrests, or ongoing investigations.
They will also be permitted to detain individuals suspected of being undocumented until ICE determines the next course of action.
Governor DeSantis stated that the partnership is designed to bolster public safety by ensuring that individuals who violate immigration laws do not go undetected.
He emphasized that Florida is committed to supporting federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws, stating, “We will not sit idly by while the federal government fails to secure our borders.”
While FHP troopers will have expanded authority to assist in immigration enforcement, they will not have the power to make arrests based solely on immigration violations.
Their role is limited to identifying individuals who may be in the country illegally and detaining them until ICE takes over.
The final decision on whether to detain or deport remains under federal jurisdiction.
The announcement has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that the initiative will help remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety, while critics warn of potential racial profiling and harm to community relations.
Opponents also argue that such programs could discourage undocumented immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement.
This latest move by DeSantis aligns with his broader efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in Florida, reinforcing the state's commitment to playing a more active role in federal immigration enforcement.
Authorities say the partnership is expected to go into effect immediately, with FHP officers receiving training on immigration procedures to comply with federal guidelines.