Florida Sheriff Urges Enhanced Cooperation with ICE to Address Illegal Immigration Issues

A Florida sheriff is calling for federal immigration authorities to remove constraints from local law enforcement agencies, aiming to enhance community safety against illegal criminal migrants.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made his remarks to Fox News Digital, emphasizing that local departments could become significant allies for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement and Removal Operations in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport undocumented immigrants.

During his discussion, Sheriff Judd underlined the necessity for federal infrastructure to accommodate migrants, claiming that local municipalities need operational freedom to address these issues effectively.

“There must be a federal framework to house these individuals. We can apprehend them in substantial numbers because they are here illegally and have criminal records,” Judd stated. He pointed out that there are roughly 1.4 million undocumented individuals with active federal warrants or removal orders, asserting that if they could be identified, local law enforcement would be able to detain them.

He further explained, “You cannot simply turn the process on and off. Infrastructure is essential. However, we are committed to being an ally to ICE and enhancing our efforts in dealing with illegal immigrant criminals.”

Past Collaborations with ICE

Polk County, positioned between the Orlando and Tampa metropolitan areas, previously signed a memorandum of understanding in 2019—during Trump’s administration—to collaborate closely with ICE officials.

According to Judd, the Trump administration’s ICE actively removed many individuals previously arrested for other criminal charges, a trend he claims saw a decline under the Biden administration. “They seemed to prefer allowing criminal illegal aliens to remain in the country, leading to increased victimization,” he reflected.

Judd praised Governor Ron DeSantis and other state leaders for their efforts in developing state legislation aimed at fortifying cooperation and creating infrastructure that facilitates federal immigration efforts across Florida.

Addressing Gaps in Information

The sheriff pointed out crucial gaps in information sharing between local law enforcement and federal authorities. He noted that individuals with active deportation orders are not documented in the National Crime Information Center, a vital tool that facilitates the assessment of individuals’ criminal histories.

“This presents an officer safety concern. When we stop motorists, they might be undocumented immigrants with ongoing deportation orders, yet we are unaware of their status,” he said. Judd added that the inability to detain individuals under valid deportation orders complicates the situation. “We believe we can better assist ICE if we receive the necessary information from them.”

Seeking Open Communication

“Establishing clear lines of communication between local law enforcement and the federal government is vital in overcoming such challenges,” Judd explained. He also stated that they are currently working on strategies to enhance coordination.

Earlier this year, Judd described a case from the Biden administration in which his officers arrested a criminal migrant accused of violent offenses. He recounted that following procedures, they contacted ICE and placed a hold on the individual.

“After he left our facility in an ICE van, we were under the impression he had been deported. However, we later discovered that he was apprehended again for driving under the influence,” Judd noted. “We could not understand why ICE had not placed another hold on him following his prior charges._

Impact of Crime on Local Communities

Sheriff Judd elaborated on the repercussions of migrant-related crimes on the residents of Polk County.

“The Biden administration has allowed illegal Venezuelan immigrants to continue operating as professional thieves, especially targeting our Asian-American entrepreneurs,” he stated. According to him, seven out of nine burglaries in a particular period were directed at Asian business owners.

He also detailed incidents where Venezuelan migrants were discovered to have committed extensive thefts across the United States, including significant amounts from victims in Central Florida. “Their illegal activities have extended far beyond our county,” Judd asserted.

Additionally, he highlighted the escalating traffic accidents involving unauthorized immigrants driving without licenses, contributing to regional safety concerns.

Continued Challenges and Crime Rates

Despite these issues, Sheriff Judd emphasized that Polk County’s crime rate has reached a 53-year low, attributing this success to their stringent crime-fighting strategies.

“Our crime statistics would be even lower if it weren’t for the loosening of immigration enforcement under the Biden administration. Our community continues to suffer from these policy decisions,” he expressed.

Furthermore, Judd cited the fentanyl crisis as a significant issue, with numerous fatalities resulting from drug overdoses. “We must address this situation urgently. The federal government needs to mobilize swiftly and offer their support to combat these challenges effectively,” he concluded with determination.