As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement looks to hire Florida cops who recently finished immigration-enforcement training, Governor Ron DeSantis urged sheriffs and police chiefs on Friday to fight to retain employees. DeSantis questioned the necessity to poach our people who are already fighting, but he said he had not seen an ICE recruitment letter offering a $50,000 signing incentive to recruits who work five years.
Through what are known as 287(g) agreements with the federal government, Florida law enforcement agencies have attempted to assist with immigration enforcement. It doesn’t necessarily add to what we’re doing when sheriffs lose deputies who are fighting because they are merely wearing a different jersey. During an appearance at the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters in Orlando, DeSantis stated, “It’s just moving someone over.”
That is why I believe there is frustration. The $170.7 billion for border security included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump recently signed, is at least partially responsible for federal recruitment efforts. The White House projects that the funding, which would be distributed over five years, will increase ICE’s workforce from 20,000 to 30,000. Sheriffs should protect their agencies, DeSantis advised. Stand up for what you believe to be right. According to DeSantis, this is not my policy. It is descending from ICE. So, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Florida News Service
