Florida Sheriffs Named to Advise New Immigration Enforcement Board

Four sheriffs from Florida have been appointed to a council that will guide the state’s newly established Board of Immigration Enforcement. This initiative aims to strengthen immigration law enforcement in collaboration with federal authorities.

The sheriffs are Grady Judd from Polk County, Bob Gualtieri from Pinellas County, T.K. Waters from Jacksonville, and Bill Prummell from Charlotte County. Together, they constitute half of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, which is responsible for advising the board on effective strategies to enforce immigration laws within the framework of federal guidance.

Creation of the Board

This board was established last Thursday following Governor Ron DeSantis’s approval of Senate Bill 2C. The council includes four police chiefs alongside the appointed sheriffs. This structure is designed to ensure local law enforcement has a direct line of communication with state officials regarding efforts to manage illegal immigration.

St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke joins the council after being nominated earlier this week. The selection of the remaining police chiefs has yet to take place, as the process for rounding out the council continues.

Tasks and Objectives of the Council

The primary responsibility of this council will be to liaise with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE. They will seek out training opportunities and formulate strategies that aim to improve local police participation in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement under ICE supervision.

Moreover, the council carries the responsibility of making key recommendations in multiple areas. They will address financial assistance for local law enforcement, enhance information sharing from local agencies to federal databases, and work to increase the availability of detention beds for ICE.

Florida’s Commitment to Immigration Enforcement

Governor DeSantis emphasized on Monday that the state of Florida is setting a crucial precedent for immigration enforcement nationwide. He pointed out that Florida intends to support federal efforts to tackle illegal immigration and ensure the safety of American citizens.

In his remarks on the social media platform X, the governor stated, “On Thursday, I signed a bill to make Florida the strongest state in the nation for immigration enforcement. We are now implementing this new legislation. Illegal immigration is an emergency, and we have no time to waste.” This statement underscores the urgency perceived by state leaders concerning immigration issues.

Leadership of the Board

At Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Larry Keefe was nominated as the executive director of the board by the state’s new Attorney General, James Uthmeier. The board will also include DeSantis, Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. This group is tasked with overseeing the implementation of new immigration enforcement strategies.

Resolutions Passed by the Cabinet

In addition to the board’s establishment, the Cabinet approved two significant resolutions on Monday. These resolutions are designed to ensure compliance among all local officials with the state’s initiative to detain and deport individuals living in the country illegally. The measures reflect a broader objective to unify local enforcement efforts with state and federal immigration policies.

A Comprehensive Approach to Immigration

The establishment of the new Board of Immigration Enforcement and its advisory council highlights Florida’s aggressive stance toward managing illegal immigration. By appointing experienced sheriffs and police chiefs, the state hopes to create a robust system for addressing immigration concerns. It remains to be seen, however, how these strategies will unfold and their impact on communities across the state.

The discussions surrounding these immigration policies reflect the ongoing national debate over immigration reform and border security. As Florida positions itself as a leader in this sphere, the actions taken by this board could influence similar initiatives in other states.

Ultimately, Florida’s initiative demonstrates a commitment to maintaining law and order while navigating the complexities of immigration enforcement. The success of these efforts will depend on the collaboration between local and federal authorities, as well as the community’s response to these significant changes in immigration policy.