DeSantis announces statewide immigration enforcement program across Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a statewide immigration enforcement initiative during a press conference at Homestead Air Reserve Base. This program, part of the 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, empowers all 67 county sheriffs to act as federal immigration agents, allowing them to question individuals about their immigration status during routine police work. DeSantis emphasized that the initiative will enhance local cooperation with federal efforts aimed at deporting undocumented migrants, particularly those with criminal records. The program is a revival of a task force model previously discontinued due to allegations of racial profiling under the Obama administration. Law enforcement officials, including St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro, expressed support for the initiative, believing it will improve community safety. The Trump administration is considering utilizing military facilities for detaining undocumented immigrants, although DeSantis stated he was unaware of specific plans regarding this proposal.