In the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House, Florida has emerged as one of the leading states in immigration control within the United States. Reports of raids, arrests, and judicial decisions are frequently shared on social media and local news outlets.
Governor Ron DeSantis has claimed that Florida is at the forefront of the nation in terms of undocumented immigrant arrests, with more than 10,400 people detained over the past eight months through collaborative operations with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
"Florida leads the country in 287(g) agreements with the DHS, which allows our state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in enforcing immigration laws across all 67 counties," DeSantis stated on the social platform X.
According to the governor, since the launch of Operation Black Tide, state law enforcement has worked in tandem with federal authorities to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. He described this as the largest joint immigration control operation in the history of ICE.
"We are proud to have it continue here in Florida," added DeSantis, emphasizing the state's role as a spearhead in the immigration policy driven by Washington.
ICE Highlights Florida as a Key Ally
The official account of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency shared the governor's message, praising Florida as one of its strongest allies in implementing the 287(g) program, which authorizes state and local police to act as immigration agents.
The tightening of immigration policies has stirred concern and fear among immigrant communities, particularly in Florida, a state home to hundreds of thousands of undocumented individuals, including many Latin Americans and Cubans.
Social media posts frequently report on neighborhood raids, traffic stop detentions, and expedited court appearances, amid increasing state and federal pressure against illegal immigration.
While the Florida government defends these actions as measures of "security and law enforcement," civil rights organizations warn of potential abuses, racial profiling, and family separations, amid an ongoing immigration crackdown that shows no signs of slowing down.
Key Questions on Florida's Immigration Policies
What is the 287(g) agreement?
The 287(g) agreement is a program that allows state and local law enforcement to collaborate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws.
Why is Florida leading in immigrant arrests?
Florida is leading in immigrant arrests due to its comprehensive implementation of the 287(g) program and its collaborative efforts with DHS and ICE in large-scale immigration operations.