In an unexpected twist in his staunch campaign against illegal immigration, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has launched a fierce critique at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing them of "poaching" personnel from state police departments by offering hiring bonuses up to $50,000. During an appearance in Orlando last Friday, DeSantis expressed his frustration upon learning that ICE is sending recruitment emails to recently trained local agents for immigration duties. This is part of a federal effort to expand its workforce, funded by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed by Donald Trump.
"Why do they have to come after our officers who are already in the fight?" the governor questioned. "They're just changing their shirts," reported WUSF, a Tampa Bay area member of National Public Radio.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was among the first to publicly denounce ICE's maneuver. "We are receiving emails offering bonuses and benefits. Is this how they thank us for helping them do their job?" he exclaimed indignantly. Judd specifically targeted Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, demanding a public apology. "She needs to step up and do the right thing," he declared.
The dissatisfaction spreads to other counties like Pinellas, where Sheriff Bob Gualtieri also confirmed the recruitment offensive. "It's a betrayal. ICE is using our collaboration to strip personnel from our agencies," his office stated.
Florida: The Center of Migration Machinery
This tension arises in a context where Florida has become the epicenter of the American immigration offensive. With over 10,800 arrests made by ICE so far in 2025, the state leads the 287(g) collaboration agreements that allow police officers to act as immigration agents. A total of 295 local agencies, comprising 43% of the national total, actively participate in these operations, often in Latino neighborhoods and workplaces.
Cities such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville top the list of areas with the most detentions. In this context, the loss of trained personnel is concerning, as the agents ICE aims to recruit are the same ones prepared to act against migrants in their local communities.
While the governor boasts about making Florida the toughest state against illegal immigration, with laws that criminalize undocumented individuals, strengthen E-Verify, and allow detentions even without a criminal record, the federal agency moves forward with its own expansion plan.
DeSantis himself remarked, "This isn't my policy. It comes from ICE. So, if you disagree, speak up." This was a direct message to the state's sheriffs, but also a sign of division within the conservative front.
The Human Impact: Increased Raids and Growing Fear
As authorities clash over personnel and prominence, the human toll rises. According to the Deportation Data Project, at least 36% of those detained in Florida have no criminal record, with hundreds being arrested at work or in public spaces. Reports of family separations, express deportations, and questionable conditions in centers like “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades are multiplying.
In communities where many migrants, including Cubans, have spent years building a life, fear is palpable. Now, the very network of collaboration between police and ICE that has endangered thousands faces an internal crisis that could lead to an even more aggressive system.
Understanding the Florida-ICE Conflict
What is the main issue between Governor DeSantis and ICE?
Governor DeSantis is criticizing ICE for recruiting police officers in Florida by offering significant hiring bonuses, which he views as poaching personnel from state police departments.
How has ICE's recruitment strategy affected local law enforcement?
ICE's recruitment strategy has caused frustration among local law enforcement as it targets trained officers, potentially leaving police departments understaffed and impacting their ability to manage local immigration issues.
Why is Florida significant in the context of U.S. immigration enforcement?
Florida is significant because it leads the nation in ICE arrests and collaboration agreements, allowing local police to act as immigration agents, making it a crucial state in the U.S. immigration enforcement landscape.